BOOT AN. 
• 69 
or all his subjects, who were conversant in it. The Bengalee language 
is the only one, differing from their own, in which any business or 
correspondence is carried on; and in this, their commercial inter¬ 
course with Bengal, as well as what relates to the territory situated 
on its borders, is always and exclusively transacted. This was inti¬ 
mated to me; and I was asked, whether the delivery of the letter I had 
borne from the Governor, was my only motive for coming to Tassi- 
sudon. So pointed and laconic a question was quite unexpected; but 
I answered it, by briefly stating the reasons that induced the Governor 
General, at this time in particular, to depute a person to the Lama’s 
court; and added, that, when I learnt the road to Tibet lay through 
his dominions, and not very distant from his capital, knowing also his 
attachment to the Governor, as well as having heard the fame of his 
exalted name, it became an object of much anxiety with me, to have 
the honour of paying my respects to the friend of my patron, and to 
a prince of so great renown. With respect to any other reasons there 
might be, for my waiting upon him, the contents of the letter would 
amply explain them. 
Three small benches, similar to that before the Raja, were brought 
and placed before us; and presently a servant came, bearing a large 
tea pot of white metal, embossed, and highly ornamented with some 
other metal, of a yellow colour. He approached the Raja, and then 
giving a circular turn to the tea-pot, so as to agitate and mix its con¬ 
tents, he poured a quantity into the palm of his hand, which he had 
contracted to form as deep a concave as possible, and hastily sipped 
it up. To account for a custom which has so little either of grace. 
