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

TIBET. 24In the recital of their embarrassments, though they are averse to ownany immediate dependance upon the Chinese, I could plainly trace thegreatest awe of the Emperor of China, of his officers stationed atthecourt of Lassa, styled Umbas ',as well as of the Jasoos^, and the Rajaof that place, GesubRimbochay, who had usurped even, from the handsof Dalai Lama, the greatest portion of his temporal power.The restof our conversation turned chiefly upon my journey, theremote distance, the difficulty of the way, and the difference of climatebetween Bengal, Bootan, and Tibet : these topics filled up the time tilltea was introduced, of which we all partook ; this was succeeded bythe usual offering of trays of fruit, and we then received from his handseach of us a white silk scarf, and retired.While we were with SoopoonChoomboo, a messenger came in, apparently from a long journey,booted, and carrying a whip in his hand, with some important dispatches.He fust pulled off his hat, holding it with his left hand downto his knee, then bowing hisbody, he drew a crimson scarf from hisbreast, which he presented, and afterwards delivered his dispatches.Having repeated a few words in a low voice, he bowed again, and wasdismissed with a single word and a nod. This is one mode of salutation:another kind of homage, which appeared to be due only to thesovereign Lama, consists in an humble prostration of the body ninetimes to the earth.Soopoon Choomboo, who was styled also Sadeek, held the secondrank in the court of Teshoo Loomboo. He was by birth a MantchieuxTartar, and was recommended to Teshoo Lama at an early age, by•Magistrates.' Communicators of intelligence.