TO THE COURT OF AYA. 
177 
This last gentleman, as we suspected, had been 
admitted to the palace. In discussing the terms 
of a commercial treaty, his assistance was indis¬ 
pensable, for there was not another individual at 
the capital who had the slightest knowledge of 
the external commerce of the country. One of 
the Wungyis, as if by accident, introduced the 
name of Mr. Lanciego to the King, stating that 
he was excluded from the palace, as he had been 
in fetters. The King simply observed, “ Who 
has excluded him ? What prevents him from 
coming ?” On the faith of this hint he was pre¬ 
sented last night. It is necessary to explain, 
that no one who has been once in fetters can 
appear in the Royal presence without a special 
sanction. He is considered as having been dis¬ 
honoured by that punishment, whether guilty 
or innocent, and therefore an unfit object to 
appear in the King’s sight. A hint of the Royal 
approbation is considered a sufficient purifica¬ 
tion.—The present visit was ostensibly one of 
ceremony, but in reality of business. The fol¬ 
lowing is the substance of what took place dur¬ 
ing a conversation of several hours. We de¬ 
sired to know when we should be presented to 
the King. The Kyi-wun observed, that this 
was a matter of “ much importance,” and would 
be discussed with all proper attention to form 
VOL. I. N 
