TO THE COURT OF CANDY. 40 7 
ornaments, when they use any, consist simply of a sprig 
or feather of precious stones. His waist was encircled with 
a rich sash, to which was suspended a short curved dag- 
ger or sabre, the handle richly ornamented, and the 
scabbard of gold fillagree-work. In appearance his Ma- 
jesty much resembled the figures we are accustomed to see 
of King Henry VIII. The Adigar, from his superior 
size, might indeed be said to do so still more : very little 
difference in dress was discernible between him and his 
sovereign, except that the minister did not carry a crown; 
although his turban also was surmounted by something like 
a ducal coronet. 
After General Macdowal had been presented in form to 
his Majesty, and a numerous string of ceremonies had 
been gone through, the King proceeded to inquire about 
the health of his Britannick Majesty, and the state of 
our affairs; to all which questions the General returned 
such answers as propriety dictated. The conversation v^as 
carried on with the most profound gravity and reserve. 
Even the most trifling circumstances were mentioned in 
v 7 hispers, with as much ceremony and importance as if the 
fate of kingdoms depended upon them. The King directed 
his speech to the Adigar, who stood on the step below the 
throne, and who repeated his Majesty’s words to the 
Maha Moodelier, who had come up with the embassy as 
Cinglese interpreter. The latter in his turn gave it in 
Portuguese to Monsieur Joinville, who had also been sent 
4 
