No. 62. — 1909.] dutch embassy. 



191 



to escort him with befitting ceremony, five of them had been 

 commanded to remain behind to see that he was properly- 

 attended to ; while the Doranagama and Hulangomuwa Muhan- 

 dirams were to return to the capital (Nuwara) and report on the 

 letter and presents. The Ambassador declared that he was 

 well pleased with the arrangement, and in His Excellency's 

 name begged to be informed if His Gracious Majesty continued 

 in the enjoyment of good health. To which they answered 

 " May he reign a thousand years in prosperity over his realm, 

 to the strengthening of his well-beloved and excellent Governa- 

 dor, his trusty Hollanders, and his own mighty army;" and 

 added that when they left the capital His Majesty was reigning 

 in sound health on his golden throne. The Ambassador 

 professed the greatest hapiness at this ; he was convinced that 

 the news would cause equal pleasure to His Excellency ; and 

 he begged to be informed regarding the health of the Disava, 

 his companions, and the other chiefs at the Maha Wasala, 

 expressing great satisfaction at the continuance of their welfare 

 in the service of His Majesty. After this all went and in- 

 spected the letter and presents; at which all the chiefs 

 expressed nothing but pleasure. They were then treated with 

 betel and arecanut ; after which they started back for their 

 tdndyama as they were weary with their journey, the Ambas- 

 sador accompanying them the usual distance. 



Shortly after the Mohotitala of the Three Korales returned 

 with a confidential message to the Ambassador from the 

 Disava to the effect that the wigs* which had been sent on a 

 previous occasion from Colombo were not of such an excellent 

 quality as to ensure acceptance from His Majesty : accordingly, 

 in view of the great confidence which the King had in His 

 Excellency, and from his steadfast knowledge of his desire to 

 render him every service, he asked that the latter might be 

 requested to forward to him two wigs of loose and very white 

 hair of sufficient length to cover the shoulders, and two others 

 of medium length : this message had been confidentially 

 entrusted to the Disava by His Majesty in consequence of the 

 reliance placed in him, after orders had been given for the 



* Many were found packed in boxes in the Palace 1815. — H. W. C. 



