POONAH. m 
cushions, and were not permitted to put out our feet, as showing 
the sole of the foot is considered disrespectful. His Highness had 
no slippers on. 
The etiquette of the court is silence : and when any thing is said 
it is in a low whisper. I spoke to the Colonel, who translated it to 
the Dewan, who stretching himself out towards his Highness on his 
knees with his hands closed and raised up, in a low voice reported 
what I had said. By the same conveyance the answer was returned. 
By the direction of Colonel Close I first enquired after his High- 
ness's health, and was answered that he was well, and hoped I 
arrived in good heaUh at Poonah. I then asked after the health 
of his brother. The message was carried across the room, in front 
of the guddy, by Anund Row. The answer was comphmentary. 
His Highness now expressed a wish, through the Dewan, that we 
might retire into a more private place, that the conversation might 
be more free. This originated solely from himself, and was as un- 
expected, as it was flattering. Indeed, the whole of his Highness s 
conduct had evinced a wish to pay me every attention. The depu- 
tations sent to meet me were the highest honours he could bestow. 
I immediately arose and followed him into a very neat small 
room, attended by Colonel Close, the Dew^an of the state, the sub- 
Dewan, and the minister for British affairs, His Highness seated 
himself on a small turkey carpet in the corner of the room. He 
placed me next him on his left, and the rest formed apart of a 
circle in face of him. He now began a very interesting conversa- 
tion, in which he considerably relaxed from his etiquette, smiled, 
and frequently spoke immediately from himself to me and Colonel 
Close. With all the disadvantages of interpretation, I could fre« 
