1869.] On the History of the Burma race. 63 



ships, heavily armed, anchored before the city, were ready to defend 

 it. It was in the year 902 (A. D. 1540) that the king besieged 

 Mut-ta-ma. Bhureng Noung commanded all the forces under the 

 immediate orders of the king. The boats brought from Pegu were 

 useless ; they could effect nothing against the ships. And provisions 

 could not be kept from entering the city, so that the garrison could 

 not be starved. The king of Mut-ta-ma being encouraged by the 

 foreigners would not submit. Meng-ta-ra Shwe-hti, however, suc- 

 ceeded in drawing to his side the governor of Maulamyaing (Maul- 

 main), and through his assistance he had several large rafts of timber 

 constructed, which were piled high with dry bamboos. These were 

 made ready up the river and set afloat to drift down with the tide. 

 When completely on fire, they were directed to where the ships lay, 

 and amidst the great confusion which ensued, three large and four 

 small vessels were burnt. While this was going on, the land army 

 assaulted and took the city. Immense plunder was taken, which the 

 soldiers were allowed to keep, the king only reserving for himself 

 munitions of war. All who resisted or had arms, were killed, but the 

 king by proclamation forbade the soldiers to kill the men of rank. 

 The governor Tsau-bi-ngya, was taken prisoner, and appointed to be 

 governor of Myoung-mya ; and the other nobles of the city received 

 what was appropriate. The governor of Maulamyaing was liberally 

 rewarded. He swore allegiance to Meng-ta-ra Shwe-hti, and was 

 confirmed in his previous government of the country, east of the 

 Salwin river. Care was taken to have guards placed on the frontier, 

 to watch Zim-may and Siam. 



Having made these arrangements, the king returned to Han-tha- 

 wa-ti (Pegu), where he was solemnly consecrated king of his new 

 dominions. The city now received some additions to make the forti- 

 fications more complete. 



When Meng-ta-ra Shwe"-hti left Toung-u, Meng-rai-thing-ga-thvi, 

 the father of Bhureng Noung, had been appointed governor. The 

 king regarding him as his own father, gave him the title of king, 

 with regalia and a palace. He was thenceforth known as Meng-rai 

 Thi-ha-thu, tributary king of Ke-tu-ma-ti. 



In the year 903, Meng-ta-ra Shwe-hti proceeded with a great 

 retinue to Da-gun, made rich offerings, and crowned the building with 



