1844.] PANGERAN USOP. 175 



distrust of such a powerful nation as Great Britain, could 

 have induced him to assume such a hostile position, and 

 one in which the slightest misconception, or accident, 

 might have entailed the most deplorable consequences. 



A direct, or immediate reply, in these cases, is not con- 

 sidered as complimentary ; a serious charge requires due 

 deliberation : no want of courtesy was exhibited, on the 

 contrary, the Sultan regretted that anything should have 

 occurred to displease, and after some interchanges of 

 compliments on our renewed acquaintance, we retired, 

 with more formality than pleased me. I was rather dis- 

 appointed at not finding the Rajah immediately invested 

 with full powers, and publicly received as next in autho- 

 rity to the Sultan. But, as Mr. Brooke observed, " still 

 water runs deep, leave them to their own course." One 

 or two private meetings followed, and at length his expres- 

 sion was most fully verified. A state evening meeting was 

 arranged, on which occasion the Rajah and his brothers 

 occupied their usual places in the circle. The Rajah, 

 addressing the Sultan, commenced by pointing out to 

 him the danger of the councils and proceedings of Pan- 

 geran Usop, and dwelt particularly on the late act of de- 

 fiance, by which he had endangered the peace of the 

 country. Pangeran Usop replied, but as all this was 

 carried on in the most courteous manner, I could not, 

 from my then imperfect knowledge of the Malay language, 

 but believe that mere matters of courtesy were passing, 

 until Mr. Brooke observed, " how beautiful ! how 

 beautifully he is dissecting that rascal, and how neatly 

 he replies, every word, on both sides, is in the highest 

 strain of courtesy, and yet they are cutting each other's 

 throats !" 



