TO THE COURT OF AYA. 
193 
distinct answer to each, according to my instruc¬ 
tions. Having proceeded thus far in the bu¬ 
siness, I believe it was understood that we should 
meet again after an interval of three days. 
B. Yes, three days are to be devoted to 
amusement, these being the annual festival of 
boat-racing; two days then will be devoted to 
business, and on the succeeding one you will be 
presented to his Majesty. As his Majesty de¬ 
sires that you should be present at the boat¬ 
racing, suitable accommodation will be made for 
you for this purpose. 
After this conversation, the conference, which 
had lasted four hours, although little real busi¬ 
ness was transacted, broke up. 
Oct. 13.—When the waters of the Ira wadi 
begin permanently to fall, a festival is held 
yearly for three days, the chief amusements of 
which consist of boat-racing: this is called in 
the Burman language Rethaben, or the Water 
Festival. According to promise, a gilt boat and 
six common war-boats were sent to convey us 
to the place where these races were exhibited, 
which was on the Irawadi, before the palace. 
We reached at eleven o’clock. The Kyi-wun, 
accompanied by a Palace Secretary, received us 
in a large and commodious covered boat, anchor¬ 
ed, to accommodate us, in the middle of the 
VOL. i. 
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