A VISIT TO THE QUEEN OF BURMAH.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1242, 28 February 1878, Page 3

A VISIT TO THE QUEEN OF BURMAH.

A correspondent of tho “Calcutta Statesman ’ ’ describes a visit he recently paid the Queen at Mandalay. “It is usual with the Queen,” says the writer, “to have an early breakfast, after which she joins the King in the palace garden, where she spends some hours daily. As wo were rather late in getting to the palace, the Q.ueen had left for the garden; our presents had therefore to be forwarded to her by some of the ladies of the Court. We had now been seated for some time, when suddenly there was a great, bustle and stir amongst the ladies, and I saw them all prostrate themselves in an attitude of adoration. Wo now saw approaching one of the Princesses, which proved to bo the youngest and favorite daughter of his Majesty. She came right up to us, and seated herself on the floor near us, looking a little sliy, but nevertheless quite selfpossessed. After the lapse of a few-minutes came the second Princess, and after she was seated followed the Q.ueen. Her Majesty also walked straight up to us smiling, and also seabed herself, receiving us mosb graciously and kindly. She opened the conversation by putting the usual string of questions as to my age, nationality, &c., which it is the height of politeness to ask, according to Eastern ideas. I hero had two interpreters ; a little girl interpreted what I said to the Burraan lady who presented mo, and she in her turn put it into the politest Burmese possible, using courtly phrases fitted for royal ears, every sentence of which is interlarded with some attribute of the Deity, and the word “Peah,” which stands for God, being of constant recurrence. Her Majesty is rather elderly, and has no personal attractions beyond an exceedingly kind and pleasant countenance and a very gracious manner. She was very simply dressed—rather carelessly, I thought—her hair being worn in two plaits at, the back, a style of coiffure very unusual with the Burraan ladies, who delight in large chignons; and, if Nature has not favored them with redundant locks, they augment it, as do their fairer sisters, with false trusses. The Princesses were well got up; all wore fine, handsome silks of Mandalay manufacture, which trailed on the floor, looking quite graceful, above this a white jacket bodice fitting close to the figure, over which was worn another demi-fitting jacket of the whitest and finest cambric, with long basques, and a very long, narrow sleeve, about a yard and a half in length, the extra length,' when worn, being gathered on the wrist. The only ornaments worn by tho second Princess were a diamond spray and a red coral pin, which contrasted well with her ebon hair. The youngt=st Princess, besides the diamond spray, wore oyer her chignon a half wreath of natural jessamine flowers, her neck being encircled with a necklet of diamonds, with a second necklet composed of three rows of real pearls, with eighteen thick gold bangles, nine on each arm. Besides this, all wore thick round pieces of imitation or real emeralds, let into the lobe of the ear. Both the Princesses looked quite charming ; the second Princess had a highly intelligent countenance, with a nice expression about the mouth, and very engaging manners. She called for her photographic album, and showed me some photos of herself and sisters. After conversing for sometime very agreeably, her Majesty; took her departure, but not before she had taken un and passed to me a nice present. The second Princess remained for some time after the departure of her royal mother, conversing very pleasantly and agreeably, when she also left to join the rest of tho royal family in the garden ; as she stepped out, I saw one of the maids of honor snatch up a silken umbrella, glittering with gems, and run after her. The first Princess I only saw at a distance. She is very plain, and was very plainly dressed, and has, it is said, like her royal father, chosen the better part, being deeply religious. Tho education of the royal ladies has been by no means neglected, and they can all read and write Burmese well. I had also the pleasure of seeing another of the Princesses, a daughter of his Majesty’s late brother, who was killed in the rebellion some years ago. She is, I was informed, a great favorite with tho King. She looked quite nice in her fresh toilette; instead of the inner tight-fitting bodice worn by the other Princesses, she had on a rose-colored silk handkerchief under her cambric jacket, arranged like a bodice, which looked quite charming; she was regaling herself with a tremendous cigar, looking quite happy and well, her face constantly beaming with smiles. I returned to tho steamer quite pleased with my visit. Just a few words regarding the famous ‘ shoe question 5 which in Mandalay is carried to awful lengths. It is quite derogatory enough for any European to be obliged to take off his boots before entering the royal presence, but it is every petty official in the receipt of the smallest salary that expects the same mirk of respect to be paid to him as well. Any gentleman, even the highest representative of the British Government, seeking an interview with the King, would not only have to take off his hoots, hut would haye to cifc on the floor with his legs doubled i under him, his hands da aped together, awaiting his Majesty. A spectacle for men and angels .' Respect in Mandalay being shown to all superiors by thus assuming in their presence a kneeling, crouching, or sitting posture. The only superior that Ins Majesty, who reigns over all the umbrella-bearing chiefs of the Eastern country, acknowledges is the Buddhist high priest, who is, I believ 5 styled the ‘ Laduwin.’ ” ■ ■" '