XVI.] 
AUDIENCE OF THE MIKADO. 
307 
throne, received us. The only thing unusual at our reception 
was that we were requested at our departure not to turn our 
backs to the Emperor, and on entering and departing to 
make three bows, one at the door, another when we had 
come forward a little on the floor, and one at the place 
■IHE FIRST MEDAL WHICH WAS STRUCK AS A MEMORIAL QF THE VOVAGE OF THE “ VEGA.” 
Size of the original. 
where we were to stand. After we had been presented 
the Emperor read a speech in Japanese, which was translated 
into French by the interpreter, and of which, before we left 
the place, a beautiful copy was given me. I then read my salu¬ 
tation, on which our minister, van Stoetwegen, said a few 
X 2 
