TO THE COURT OF AVA. 
407 
every where compact limestone, white, blue, and 
red. The Irawadi passes close to the foot of the 
hills; and along its banks our travellers returned 
to-day, The part of the country they passed 
through was much infested by robbers ; and 
yesterday they saw the spot where a man had 
been a few hours before murdered, on account 
of a load of rice which he was carrying to Ava. 
A little of the rice was still scattered about; 
and the bamboo, on which the baskets were car¬ 
ried, was still lying on the ground. 
The Ministers last night reported to the King 
the progress of the negotiation. His Majesty 
was highly indignant, said his confidence had 
been abused, and that now, for the first time, he 
was made acquainted with the real state of af¬ 
fairs. He accused the Ministers of falsehoods, 
malversations, and all kinds of offences. His dis¬ 
pleasure did not end in mere words; he drew 
his Da, or sword, and sallied forth in pursuit of 
the offending courtiers. These took to imme¬ 
diate flight,—some leaping over the balustrades 
which rail in the front of the Hall of Audience, 
but the greater number escaping by the stair 
which leads to it; and in the confusion which 
attended their endeavours, tumbling head over 
heels, one on top of another. Such royal pa¬ 
roxysms are pretty frequent, and, although at- 
