No. 39. — 1891.] account of ceylon. 275 



had surrendered with all his men ; that he also should do 

 the same, as there was no possibility of escape. After con- 

 sulting his men the Lieutenant replied that, unless the 

 Emperor gave them the very best conditions, he was 

 determined to defend himself to the last man : that if the 

 Emperor would promise those conditions, and keep them, 

 he would consult his . men, and, if all agreed, surrender the 

 camp. The next day the Emperor sent one of his high 

 officials with a white flag to conclude terms with the 

 Lieutenant, and to tell him that he was anxious to see the 

 Allemand and his men, because they were such good soldiers 

 and had served their master so well : the official was to take 

 an oath in his name that he would keep the arrangement 

 made. Thus highly are German courage and honesty res- 

 pected amongst the heathen, as the said Lieutenant 

 experienced after the Emperor's Ambassador had taken his 

 oath. When these heathen wish to take an oath in public 

 they take up a handful of sand, hold it high, say a few words, 

 and let it fall ; they afterwards hold firmly and to the last 

 point what they promise. 



When the garrison came out, and the Lieutenant and his 

 men with burning fuses, bullet in the mouth, swords 

 by their sides, were taken before the Emperor, they all first 

 fell on their knees three times. This is etiquette, and even as 

 man of high rank as Ambassador for the Hollanders, if he 

 desires to see the Emperor of Ceilon, must fall on his knee 

 three times. The Emperor's own subjects, however, must 

 throw themselves three times with their faces to the ground. 

 The highest in rank, if they need to speak to their Emperor, 

 are not allowed to turn round as long as they can see him r 

 but they must march out backwards. Ordinary people are 

 not allowed to come near him, but must have men of rank 

 to speak for them. The Hollanders, however, are allowed 

 to stand before him, and personally to speak with him. 



After the said Lieutenant with his men had fallen on their 

 knees three times, he took his sword to present it himself 



