MYSORE. 
4^7 
I turned the conversation to the new town of Mysore, and 
several indifferent subjects, to try if his replies would be ready. 
He never hesitated, spoke sensibly, and I was assured by Major 
Symons that he was not prompted. He is about eleven years old, 
of middle size, neither tall nor short of his age ; not handsome, 
but of an intelligent countenance. He seemed lively ; but on such a 
public occasion it would have been indecorous to have even smiled. 
He did so once, but was immediately checked by a person who 
stood by him. I enquired after his pursuits, and was informed 
that he was fond of riding, and the sports of the field. These were 
considered as becorning his dignity ; but when I observed that he 
seemed playful, I was instantly assured that he was not so. I there- 
fore ceased my questions, as I found that I should not hear of his 
doing any thing that was not according to rule. I strongly re- 
commended his learning English, and pointed out the advantage 
it was to the Rajah of Tanjore, in his communications with the 
British Government, to be able to write and speak their language. 
They assured me that it should certainly be done. I regretted that 
his youth prevented my having the honour of receiving a visit 
from him at Seringapatam, and therefore requested that he would 
oblige me, by accepting from me a sabre as a small memorial. 
Having procured one for the purpose, which had a handle of agate 
ornamented with rubies after the Asiatic fashion, I delivered it 
into his own hand, and he immediately placed it beside him, assur- 
ing me that it should always lie by him for my sake, and that it 
was a particularly valuable present to him, as he was of Shatrya, or 
soldier cast. He in return put round my neck a handsome string 
of pearls, from which was suspended a jewel of flat diamonds and 
VOL. I. 3 1 
