156 



Autobiography of Tsura Moimg-Bo. [April 



were treated kindly and fed for three days, after which 

 they took us to the residence of their famiUes in the jungle. 

 Their houses were built on trees ; they inhabited the jun- 

 gle for years without going to any town or seeing any per- 

 son out of their own society, and were so desirous to con- 

 tinue this secluded life, that when we took our departure, 

 they made us swear that we would not disclose this place 

 of their abode. They gave us a boat, and information as 

 to the route we were to pursue towards the neighbouring 

 Kariens. We accordingly left them and after one day's 

 journey reached the Karien village, where there was a mo- 

 nastery into which we were received, well fed, and clothed. 

 TIere we remained about one month, after which I ac- 

 companied one of the Ponghees* tov/ards Rangoon, but 

 not daring to enter that town for fear of being apprehend- 

 ed as a deserter from the Doinwon's army, I went to Pan- 

 lang, and there remained till I thought it safe to return to 

 Rangoon whither I at length w^ent, and met my mother and 

 sister. My half brother was a Padazof in the service of 

 Xvlyedaimen or Prince of Meeaidai, and informed his mas- 

 ter of my arrival. I was summoned to his presence, and 

 having related my story, I was appointed by him to act 

 as Oukpanyai or writer to keep the roster of the night- 

 guard which mounted at the Prince's. With the Myaiclai- 

 men I remained a twelve month when I was deputed by 

 him to Amrapoora with presents to the king and other mem- 

 bers of the royal family. On delivermg the presents I saw 

 amongst others the Piemen who recog»ized me and asked 

 me what had become of me since I left the monastery, and 

 why I did not come to him. His Royal Highness ordered 

 me to stay at Amrapoora, and said he would write to the 

 Myeidaimen about me. I staid with the Prince about six 

 months, after which he ordered me to Rangoon to fill the 

 situation of J Atsoo-yai to his Royal Highness's men, about 

 800 in number. 



About this time 1174, His Majesty Moungwoin hav- 

 ing consulted certain prophecies in some ancient books 

 and learning by them that his kingdom was to be overturn- 



Priests. 



t Padazo, a sort of butler or majordoffiO 

 X A sort of mueiter master. 



