TO THE COURT OF AVA. 
203 
that he and I were pledged friends; that the 
King had conveyed to him his orders to make 
preparation for a display of fireworks, and that 
consequently, being his friend, I ought to make 
no objection to the arrangement. I answered, 
that certain days had been appointed to hold 
conference for the discussion of matters which 
related to the interest of the two countries, and 
I was confident the King would never give 
orders to postpone matters of such moment for 
a display of fireworks, or any such matter of 
mere amusement. I endeavoured to impress 
upon him the necessity of a strict adherence to 
engagements,—telling him that promises, ap¬ 
pointments, and treaties, were held by men of 
honour among us and other European nations, 
as binding as oaths; and that those who broke 
them, or departed from them, on slight grounds, 
justly forfeited esteem and confidence. As a 
serious example of the evil effects of breach of 
engagement, I referred to the misfortunes which 
had followed the non-fulfilment of the Treaty 
of Patanago. The Kyi-wun admitted “ the 
beauty (as he called it) of strict attention to en¬ 
gagements, but thought that among friends some 
latitude ought to be allowed.” Referring to 
the attack upon Melloon, which followed the 
breach of the treaty, he said, “ Of what use was 
