TO THE COURT OF AY A. 
195 
Bormans nowhere appear to so much advantage 
as in their boats, the management of which is evi¬ 
dently a favourite occupation. The boats them¬ 
selves are extremely neat, and the rowers expert, 
cheerful, and animated. In rowing, they almost 
always sing, and their airs are not destitute of 
melody. The burthen of the song upon the pre¬ 
sent occasion, was literally translated for me by 
Dr. Price, and was as follows“ The golden 
glory shines forth like the round sun ; the royal 
kingdom, the country and its affairs, are the most 
pleasant.” If this verse be in unison with the feel¬ 
ings of the people, and I have no doubt it is, 
they are, at least, satisfied with their own condi¬ 
tion, whatever it may appear to others. 
Some time after this exhibition, the state boats 
of the King and Queen were also sent to exhibit 
before us. These, like all others belonging to 
the King, are gilt all over, the very oars or pad¬ 
dles not excepted. In the centre of each was a 
throne, that of the Queen being latticed to the 
back and sides, so as partially to conceal her per¬ 
son when she occupied it. They were both very 
brilliant. According to the Burmans, there are 
thirty-seven motions of the paddle. The King 
and Queen’s boats went through many of them 
with grace and dexterity, and much to our gra¬ 
tification and amusement. 
o 2 
