1869.] On the History of the Burma race. 51 



that his royal predecessors who had altered the style in their days, 

 never survived long ; but for the benefit of his people, he did not 

 hesitate to do what was required for their welfare. He felt confident 

 also, from predictive signs, that his posterity for seven generations 

 would fill the throne. To adjust the era, the year 800 was counted as 

 798, two years being struck out. The king died in the following 

 year after a reign of thirteen years. 



He was succeeded by his son Meng-rai-kyau-tswa in in the year 801 

 (A. D. 1439). This king turned his attention to the affairs of 

 Toungu. The king of that country had died in the year 798, and 

 was succeeded by his son-in-law U'-za-na. The following year, the 

 king of Pegu, Bi-ngya-ran deposed U'-za-na, and placed on the throne 

 Meng-tsau-u, son of Tsau-lu-theng-kha-ra. After that ruler had 

 reigned five years, the king of Ava sent a force which dethroned 

 him, and Ta-ra-bya, a Shan chief, was made governor or tributary 

 king. The chief of Mo-goung was at this time independent, but the 

 king coerced him through the Tsau-bwas of Mo-nhyin and Ka-le. 

 Meng-rai-kyau-tswa died after a reign of three years. He left a 

 daughter ; and his youngest brother, Thi-ha-thu, governed at Prome. 

 At first, the nobles thought it better to offer the throne to Thi-ha-pa- 

 te, the son-in-law of the late king. But he refused to be king, so the 

 nobles went down to Prome, and brought up the prince in great 

 state to Ava. He assumed the title of Bhu-reng Na-ra-pa-ti. 



The northern Tsau-bwas submitted to this king, and he reduced 

 to obedience the governor of Ra-may-then, who had rebelled. But 

 suddenly a great danger threatened the king. His son, the crown- 

 prince had been sent with a force to reduce the Shan chief of Peng- 

 lay. While the army was there, a large Chinese army under four 

 generals appeared. The king hastily recalled his son to Ava ; left 

 him there in command, and himself proceeded out with his army and 

 took post at the Mandale hill, a few miles to the north of the city. 

 The Chinese commander remaining at Maing-mau on the Shwe-le 

 river, sent a message by a party of three hundred horsemen saying, 

 " Will you, as in the time of the Pugan kings, present vessels of gold 

 " and silver, or will you make war?" King Na-ra-pa-ti replied, that 

 since the city of Ava had been built, no such demand had been made, 

 and that he would give nothing. On receipt of this message, the 



