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BIRMAI-I. 223
was informed, an order for investing some persons pre-
sent with the insignia of a certain degree of nobility :
the imperial mandate was instantly proclaimed aloud
by heralds in the court. His majesty remained only
a few minutes longer, and during that time looked at
us attentively, but did not honour us with any verbal
notice, or speak at all, except to give the order before
mentioned. When he rose to depart, he manifested
the same signs of infirmity as on his entrance. After
he had withdrawn, the folding-doors were closed, and
the court broke up.
" In descending, we took notice of two pieces of
cannon, apparently nine-pounders, which were placed
in the court, on either side of the stairs, to defend the
entrance of the palace. Sheds protected them from the
weather, and they were gilded all over. A royal carriage
was also in waiting, of curious workmanship, and
ornamented with a royal spire: there was a pair of
horses harnessed to it, whose trappings glistened in
the sun."
In the outer court, Col. Symes saw the immense
piece of ordnance captured at Arracan: it had been
gilded and placed beneath a roof of a dignified order.*
Prior to this interview with the emperor, Col.
Symes attended the levees of the Engy Teekien and
the queen dowager. The etiquette observed in his visit
to the prince, was much the same as in his presentation
to the emperor. The saloon of audience was
adorned with six rows of pillars, seven in a row; but
there was neither gilding nor paint on them, such
ornaments being strictly confined to the sovereign and
and the naked pillars gave a very rude
the priesthood ;
appearance to the apartment. Four Brahmin priests
See page 42.
PART II. O