An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

TIBET. 237Other, immediately opposite, stood the throne of the lateTeshoo Lama,placed in a recess, elevated about five feet above the floor, surmountedwith cushions of yellow satin, and decorated with hangings on eachside, of various coloured silks, and rich brocades. At the foot of thethrone were thin tapers, of the composition which they burn as incensein their temples, and vases filled with aromatic woods, which, consumingslowly, with their smoke powerfully perfumed the hall. Fromthis seat, we were informed the Teshoo Lama was accustomed to distributejustice, and confer his solemn benediction upon the people.Advancing to the upper end of the hall, we found the Regent, andSoopoon Choomboo, each of them habited in the religious dress, andseated under the colonnade, upon the left hand side of the throne, o»elevated seats raised with satin cushions. White silk scarfs, accordingto the established custom of the country, were presented by us, whichthey received without quitting their seats. I then delivered the GovernorGeneral's dispatches intothe Regent's hands, with a string ofpearl and coral, whilst the rest of the presents were placed before him.Two raised seatsof cushions had been prepared, towards which theRegent waving his hand, with a very significant look, directed us tobe seated. I then thought it proper to address him nearly to the followingeffect." The few things I have the honour of offering to your acceptance,the Governor General, Mr. Hastings, has sent to you as tokens of hisfriendship and esteem, and with an earnest solicitude to preserve andcultivate the amicable intercourse, that had so happily commencedbetween you. This correspondence, in its earliest stages, had been