TO THE COURT OF AVA. 
223 
d’hau, where it was previously arranged that we 
should rest, to the gate of the palisade front¬ 
ing the Palace, and here requested us to make 
a Shi-ko , or Burman homage. I had previously 
caused it to be intimated to the Burman offi¬ 
cers, that in no place, or under any circum¬ 
stances, should any of the gentlemen of the 
Mission make an obeisance, except to the King 
in person. As soon, therefore, as I ascertained 
what it was that the Sare-d’haugyis wanted, 
I turned round quickly, and, followed by the 
other gentlemen, entered the Rungd'hau, where 
I requested that the particular Sar^-d’haugyi, 
who addressed us on the subject of making 
an obeisance to the Palace, should be repri¬ 
manded for his presumption. This was done 
by the other officer, who seemed to think that 
he had officiously exceeded his authority, as 
well as broken a promise made to us. We 
seated ourselves in the front of the Rung- 
d’hau. This is a lofty wooden building, sup¬ 
ported by several rows of pillars of the same 
material, and without walls, like all similar pub¬ 
lic buildings among the Burmans. It is a plain 
structure, without carving, gilding, or any sort 
of decoration, and both for extent and appear¬ 
ance much inferior to the similar place where we 
had rested before being presented to the King 
