294 
JOURNAL OF AN EMBASSY 
and they go up to them with a ladder of twelve 
or fourteen staves. Their houses be, for the most 
part, by the highway’s side, and among the trees, 
and in the woods. And they go with a great 
pot made of wood or fine earth, and covered, 
tied with a broad girdle upon their shoulder, 
which cometh under their arm, wherewith they 
go to beg their victuals, which is rice, fish, and 
herbs. They demand nothing, but come to the 
door, and the people presently do give them, 
some one thing and some another; and they put 
all together in their pot; for they say they must 
eat of their alms, and therewith content them¬ 
selves. They keep their feasts by the moon; 
and when it is new moon, they keep their greatest 
feast, and then the people send rice and other 
things to that Kiack, or church, of which they be. 
And then all the tallipoies do meet, which be of 
that church, and eat the victuals which are sent 
them. When the tallipoies do preach, many of 
the people carry them gifts into the pulpit where 
they sit and preach; and there is one which 
sitteth by them to take that which the people 
bring. It is divided among them. They have 
none other ceremonies nor service, that I could 
see, but only preaching.” 
In the time of Fitch’s visit, and his statement 
seems confirmed by that of Gaspar Balbi, who 
preceded him only by three years, Pegu was go- 
