TO THE COURT OF AVA. 
303 
the present. When we came to the garden-gate, 
where the King was, we alighted; where we were 
met by one of the ovidores, who was there ready 
to conduct me in, and to direct me in the manner 
of approaching the King. Here I took the letter 
from Mr. King, and stayed almost a quarter of an 
hour before the gates were opened, when we fell 
down upon our knees and made three bows; which 
done, we entered the garden, the present follow¬ 
ing, and, having gone about half-way from the 
gate to the place where the King was seated, we 
made three bows again as before ; when we were 
got within fifteen yards of the King, we made 
three bows again, as we had done before, and 
were ordered to sit down. After we were sat 
down, the King ordered the ovidore to receive 
the letter; and about half a quarter of an hour 
after, asked me the three usual questions; viz. 
How long I had been in my passage from Madras 
to his port of Syrian ? How many days from 
Syrian to Ava? And, at my departure from 
Madras, if I had left my Governor in good health? 
I told his Majesty that I had been about thirty 
days in my passage from Madras to Syrian; about 
forty-two days from Syrian to Ava ; and that, at 
my departure from Madras, thanks to God ! I had 
left my Governor in good health, supplicating the 
Divine power for the continuation of his Majesty’s 
health and happiness. After this, I sat about half 
