TO THE COURT OF CANDY. 
405 
short turn here to the left, the palace appeared standing 
on the right. In front of it was a flight of stone steps, 
and a viranda or balcony, in which a number of the 
Kings guards and several of the chief men in waiting were 
stationed. After passing this, and descending by another 
flight of steps, a large square surrounded by a high wall 
afforded a station for some more of the guards. At the op- 
posite side stood a large arched gate-way, leading into an 
inner court where the King and his principal officers of 
state have their residence. In this inner division the King 
kept Ins own body guards, who were composed of Malays 
and Malabars. These troops are armed with swords, spears, 
and shields ; and on them the King seems to place his 
chief dependence in the event of any sudden commotion or 
alarm. 
Gn the right hand of this inner court stood an open 
arch, through which was the entrance to the hall of audi- 
ence. This state room was a long viranda with alternate 
arches and pillars along its sides. From this structure, as 
well as from the appearance of the roof and ceiling, it bore 
a considerable resemblance to the aisle of a church. The 
pillars and arches were adorned with muslin flowers, and 
ornaments made of the plantain leaf, which had a very 
pretty effect. At the further end of the hall, and under 
one of the larger arches, was placed a kind of platform 
or throne, covered with a carpet, and surrounded with 
steps. Here the King sat in state. A small partition raised 
