86 Notes of the Month on [JAN. 



Brown bess. It is the soldier's best and dearest friend his great and 

 sure peace-maker between him and his foes. They seldom quarrel, 

 save at times when she misses fire ; but which is not intentional, but 

 from the damps of night, &c. 



" The Bayonet. This little offspring of faithful Bessy is adapted to 

 many uses, it is a good disputant, very pointed and sharp in argument, 

 and often finds its way to the heart. It is also a good spit to roast a 

 steak on, a fork, a candlestick, a poker, and a potatoe-digger. 



f< The Fife. Little shrill notes that summon brave soldiers to fight, 

 and in time of peace, that lead the maidens to foot it on the light fan- 

 tastic toes of conviviality ; the merry hornpipe. The little instrument 

 has other uses as a pot-ladle, to stir up the heterogeneous soup ; to 

 make puddings, pies and bread. 



" The Drum. This is not only ornamental, but exceedingly useful. 

 It bears the boasted crown of England, and the rampant lion. Its sonor- 

 ous roll strikes terror into the bosom of the foe. Besides, it is a good 

 seat, a good table, used sometimes for sucking pigs, turkies, geese, 

 ducks, fowls, and it has been known to contain a child, * born on the 

 crimson plain of war.' " 



If the present style of thinking goes on for a few years longer, the 

 Asiatics will be the only nations honoured by kingship. The monar- 

 chies of Europe will be commonwealths ; the kings, presidents ; and the 

 lords, commons. It will then be worth while to send to India for an 

 example of monarchy, as we once sent to her for science, and in later 

 years for money and muslin. His majesty of Ava, brother of him of 

 " the golden foot/' is a fine specimen at least of the pomp ; and the em- 

 bassy of Major Burney (who however, we hope, is not on the 12,000 a 

 year scale) teems with gold stuffs, formal speeches, scymetars, and 

 ceremonial. The major was obliged to wait at the youn dau, or Royal 

 Court-house, until the princes and great officers had entered the palace 

 in state, during which time refreshments were served up in gold uten- 

 sils. The princes were carried in gilt litters, with eight or ten gilt 

 umbrellas held over each of them, preceded by musicians, gold censers, 

 elephants, &c. The shoes were discarded at the steps of the Hall of 

 Audience, and the envoy and his suite were seated immediately in front 

 of the throne ; after a few minutes a rumbling sound, like that of dis- 

 tant thunder, was heard, when a folding gilt door was thrown open, and 

 the king, most richly attired, made his appearance. His majesty had 

 on a gold crown, and a fine gold flowered gown, richly beset with 

 jewels. All the courtiers, c. prostrated themselves and prayed. The 

 embassy took off their hats and bowed ; the appointed Burmese officer 

 then read aloud the letter from the governor-general, and a list of the 

 presents. The king inquired after the health of the governor-general, 

 if the seasons were favourable, and if they had had refreshing rains at 

 Calcutta ? To which suitable answers were returned ; shortly after his 

 majesty retired, and the folding door was closed. The embassy left the 

 palace soon after. They were amused for a few minutes at the palace- 

 yard with feats of tumblers, rope-dancers, &c. and returned in the same 

 state home. 



In the confusion of the continent, Algiers has been forgotten. If 

 British interests are likely to be injured by the French retention of this 

 burning territory, we must regret it. But it will require more proof 



