132 
POONAH. 
elephant were at the door ; the former was a fine animal, and in 
good condition: a most unusual circumstance at Poonah. The 
attar was given to me and the Colonel by the Dewan. The box of 
pawn was delivered by his Highness himself. 
After this was concluded, a sword was given into his hands, and 
by him presented to me : it was handsomely mounted in green and 
gold, and had a very fine blade : it was not part of the present of 
ceremony, and I therefore valued it the more. I assured him I 
would hand it down to my son, and my son's son ; and kept it by 
me, instead of delivering it to my servants, as I had done the 
trays. The nautch-girls were the same as on the Paishwa's visit to 
me. His own woman, who is rather old, but is said to have a fine 
voice, was too busy in performing before the deities during this sea- 
son of festivity, to attend upon us subordinate animals. We lost but 
little, as a noise is all that is required. A few compliments passed at 
taking leave, and he paid the usual one of requesting to hear of my 
welfare. The Dewan attended to the end of the carpet, and then 
took his leave. We returned through the town, which is much 
larger than I expected, and the bazar much finer. There are several 
large houses three stories high; the pagodas are insignificant; the 
number of wretched objects was small. 
October 21. — A deputation arrived from the Dewan of the em- 
pire, requesting I would honour him with my company to a party 
at the Paishwa's garden. This was merely a matter of form, as I 
had previously consented, his Highness having expressed a wish 
that it should be so, as a proper close to the attentions I had re- 
ceived at Poonah. The party set off at the usual hour. We were 
received at the entrance by the Dewan, who walked by my side to 
