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

244 TIBET.extensive view of the valley, and was at once enlightened and warmedby a projecting balcony, which, from itsposition, admitted the rays olthe sun nearly all the day, during the time he has southern declination,which, of course, is their coldest season. When we entered the room,the mohair curtains were partially drawn; but even in this state, wewere sensible of a grateful warmth. Soopoon Choomboo was seatedclose by the balcony.We each of us presented, as usual, a silk scarf,and I delivered to him the letter and presents, with which I had beencharged.We took our seats on piles of cushions that had been placedon the opposite side of the room, when Soopoon CJioomboo, after afew personal compliments, instantly proposed various inquiries respectingthe health and situation of Mr. Hastings.To his numberless questionsI gave, as well as I was able, the most satisfactory answers ; andI endeavoured to express, in the strongest terms, the great uneasinessto which Ihad been subject, in the noxious climate (as they esteem it)of the country of Dukba'';contrasting my unpleasant situation, whilemy journey hither stood in suspense, and I dreaded the necessity ofreturningto Bengal without seeing him, or Maha Raja, with the singularsatisfaction I now experienced, in having reached his court insafety. I concluded with assurances, how highly acceptable thesetidiiigs would prove to his friend the Governor.He was profuse in hisacknowledgments, of the high gratification and honour he derived fromthe receipt olthe Governor General's dispatches, and stated ihe greatanxiety, under which the Regent and himself had laboured, asPoorungheerwell knew, in contriving to conduct me to Teshoo Loomboo.Bootan.