TO THE COURT OF AVA. 
52 1 
always occasioned a loud laugh among the spec¬ 
tators. Both parties receive prizes from the 
King, consisting always of articles of dress, of 
which the victor of course receives the most 
valuable. 
These were, after all, but bloodless combats, 
and were evidently not intended to be other¬ 
wise ; for when there appeared the least risk of 
mischief being done from the irritation of the 
combatants, they were carefully parted by the 
umpires and their assistants. Notwithstanding 
the partiality of the Burmans to such exhibi¬ 
tions, one of our English battles would, I am 
convinced, shock and frighten them exceedingly. 
During the many battles which took place upon 
the present occasion, no serious accident took 
place ; and I saw but one instance where one 
of the combatants was temporarily disabled: 
this was occasioned by a blow with the knee, 
given by his antagonist, in the mouth, which 
knocked him down; but it was inflicted with 
so much dexterity, that we could scarcely per¬ 
ceive how it was done. It excited loud applause, 
not only in the ring, but among the courtiers. 
The behaviour of his Burman Majesty to¬ 
wards our party was not only condescending, 
but extremely affable. Refreshments, consist¬ 
ing of betel, pickled tea, and sweetmeats, were 
