BOUTAN MARVELS. 
233 
from the middle of its forehead. He had once another 
of the same species, but it died. I could not discover 
from whence it came, or obtain any other explanation 
than f hurra dura !’ — a great way off, I expressed an 
earnest desire to see a creature so curious and uncom- 
mon, and told him that we had representations of 
an animal called a unicorn, to which his description 
answered, but it was generally considered fabulous. 
He again assured me of the truth of what he told me, 
and promised I should see it. It was some distance 
from Tassisudon,* and his people paid it religious re- 
spect ; but I never had a sight of it. 
The last story I shall notice is an account the 
Rajah gave me of an adventure of his own, designed 
not less to magnify our opinion of his zeal than to add 
respect to his religious character in the estimation of 
his own disciples. It was introduced in consequence 
of our conversation turning on Thibet. He painted to 
me the difficulties of the way, and the wide disparity 
of country and of climate. f I have seen, I have ex- 
perienced, and speak from my own knowledge : for,’ 
he continued, f some years ago, putting on the appear- 
ance of a mendicant, or fakeer, I made a pilgrimage to 
Lassa, and visited the holy temples, sacred as the 
seats of the superior objects of our worship. My 
journey was performed all the way on foot, with one 
companion. I walked over and saw every part of the 
extensive city , of Lassa ; I paid my devotions at the 
sacred shrine of Pootalah ;f and, after a residence of 
* The Rajah’s capital. 
t The chief monastery and residence of Dalai Lama, near 
Lassa. 
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