540 Specimen of the Burmese Drama. [July, 



ACT. 



Scene 1st. — The Hall of the Palace. King, nobles. 



King. Nobles of the palace ! 



Noble. Lord ! 



King. Why fails the prince Thoodanoo to come into the presence ? 



Noble. Oh, ruler of a hundred subject kings, — whose light is like 

 the sun of the universe ; he has but even now wedded the daughter 

 of the philosopher Naythoda. The governor of Setang, and the 

 chiefs of Siam and Cochin-China, who have heretofore annually 

 brought tribute, and presents of ingots of gold and silver, white and 

 red cloths, velvets, bales of cloths, gold and silver lace, and gold and 

 silver flowers, have now failed in their duty. Nor is this the limit of 

 their folly ; they are making encroachments upon the frontier, and in 

 the pride of their hearts are destroying the villages, and oppressing 

 the people. The confusion which they have created is so great that the 

 inhabitants are afraid to remain on the frontier ; an ambassador has 

 only now reached from the Tsaubwas. 



King. If this is true, call the lord of the east house (eldest son), 

 and let him appear forthwith ! 



[Music. 



Scene 2nd — 



Noble. Oh my lord, &c. &c. &c. &c. 



Prince. Say, what thou hast to say. 



Noble. The royal sire has sent to command your presence. 



Prince. If I am called, I will but take a glance into the mirrors 

 and adjust my turban, and come with you at once into the audience 

 chamber. 



Scene 3rd.— The Hall of Audience. Prince, nobles. 



Prince. My lords, tell me, who am the royal son, whose glory is 

 like the sun of day, who enlightens the four islands ; whose renown 

 is universally spread ; whether the imperial father— the embryo deity 

 whose white umbrella is unfurled— has yet entered the palace of 

 audience ; — tell me, too, if the royal mother, who reclineth upon the 

 throne of lilies, has yet displayed her golden countenance, and i3 well ? 



