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36 BIRMAH.
Birmah, they are, nevertheless, circumscribed in their
apparently unlimited despotism, by the rhahaans or
priests. This was made apparent by the part they
were prevailed upon to take at the present emergency.
Protected by the sanctity of the chosen retreat and the
sacred functions for which he was professedly destined,
Mornien had been screened by the rhahaans from the
fears and jealousy of Shembuan and his yet more dangerous
son and successor Chenguza; and they now
silently prepared to avail themselves of their ascendancy
over their pupil, whose slender capacity made him a
willing instrument. Minderajee-praw, the younger
brother of Shembuan, a man of eminent parts and equal
ambition, soon laid the plans which effected their purpose,
One proof of the capricious, unsettled mind of
Chenguza, was his irregularity in issuing from and
returning to his royal fort and palace ;
a station in all
Asiatic kingdoms, even in Turkey and Persia, of the
highest importance, as usually containing the treasures
and exhibiting the state of the sovereign, and
almost conferring the possession of the royal power on
its occupier. Chenguza had gone to Keoptaloun, about
thirty miles below Ava, to celebrate a high festival,
when Momien, attired in the ensigns of royalty, and
supplied with a royal retinue by the address of his
advisers and followers, presented himself as Chenguza,
at midnight, at the golden gate, and demanded ad-
mission. It was opened, but, suspicions being excited,
an effort was made to close it, which would have been
fatal to the whole enterprise ; the conspirators, how-
ever, rushed in, and after a smart conflict, gained possession
of the palace. Early next day, Momien was
proclaimed sovereign of Birmah, and Chenguza was
declared an outlaw. Forces were despatched by sea
and land to Keoptaloun, to seize his person but Chen'
;