TIBET. 
245 
In the recital of their embarrassments, though they are averse to own 
any immediate dependance upon the Chinese, I could plainly trace the 
greatest awe of the Emperor of China, of his officers stationed at the 
court of Lassa, styled Umbas c , as well as of the Jasoos d , and the Raja 
ol that place, Gesub Rimbochay, who had usurped even, from the hands 
of Dalai Lama, the greatest portion of his temporal power. 
The rest of our conversation turned chiefly upon my journey, the 
remote distance, the difficulty of the way, and the difference of climate 
between Bengal, Bootan, and Tibet: these topics filled up the time till 
tea was introduced, of which we all partook; this was succeeded by 
the usual offering of trays of fruit, and we'then received from his hands 
each of us a white silk scarf, and retired. While we were with Soopoon 
Choomboo, a messenger came in, apparently from a long journey, 
booted, and carrying a whip in his hand, with some important dis¬ 
patches. He first pulled off his hat, holding it with his left hand down 
to his knee, then bowing his body, he drew a crimson scarf from his 
breast, which he presented, and afterwards delivered his dispatches. 
Having repeated a few words in a low voice, he bowed again, and was 
dismissed with a single word and a nod. This is one mode of salu¬ 
tation : another kind of homage, which appeared to be due only to the 
sovereign Lama, consists in an humble prostration of the body nine 
times to the earth. 
Soopoon Choomboo, who was styled also Sadeek, held the second 
rank in the court of Teshoo Loomboo. He was by birth a Mantchieux 
Tartar, and was recommended to Teshoo Lama at an early age, by 
• Magistrates. * Communicators of intelligence. 
/ 
