76 
BOOTAN. 
was no less troublesome* than protective of our conferences : the hour 
of two had passed; tea was introduced, of which we drank with the 
Raja. We received presents of fruits and vegetables, and retired to 
our house. 
It was expected, and seemed necessary, that we should pay the 
superior officers under government, the compliment of a visit; I dis¬ 
patched therefore a messenger to each of them; and, a convenient time 
being appointed, we proceeded the following day, to perform the cere¬ 
mony. They were all three accommodated in the palace; and, though 
invested with offices of different duty, were looked upon as nearly of 
equal rank. Their titles, and, as well as I could understand, the nature 
of their employments were as follow: first, the Tasse-Zoompoon, who 
is commandant of the castle of Tassisudon, keeper of warlike stores* 
and governor of all that tract of country over which we had travelled, 
between the capital, and the Company’s dominions. Second, the Zoon- 
donier, who is treasurer, as well as captain-general of all the forces,, 
which in times of emergency he heads in person. Third, the Zempi, 
who is master of ceremonies, cup-bearer, and keeper of the wardrobe*, 
he is constantly attendant upon the Raja, and conducts the plan of all 
his operations: his office, being rather of a private nature, is of less 
ostensible consequence than the other two; but, as he is always near 
the person of the Raja, and consequently supposed to be a favourite,, 
his situation gives him weight in the general estimation. 
We were first conducted to the apartment of the Tasse-Zoompoon, 
whom we met on the day of our introduction to the Raja, in the west 
angle of the palace. He was a corpulent, unwieldy figure, and not of 
i 
