.

CHAPTER XI.

RECEPTION OF MESSRS. COLMAN AND JUDSON AT AVA.--THEIR RETURN TO
RANGOON.--THEIR RESOLUTION TO LEAVE RANGOON.--OPPOSITION OF DISCIPLES TO
THIS MEASURE.--INCREASE OF DISCIPLES.--THEIR STEADFASTNESS.--FAILURE OF
MRS. JUDSON'S HEALTH.

The passage up the Irrawaddy to Ava, or rather Amerapoora, which was
then the capital, was made in safety in a little more than thirty days.
They soon found the house of their old friend the former viceroy of
Rangoon, who now enjoyed a high post under government. Here they were
kindly received, and promised a speedy presentation to the "golden
face," _i.e._ the emperor.

The next day, Moung Yo, a favorite officer of the viceroy, came to take
them to the imperial palace. He first introduced them to the private
minister of state, who met them very pleasantly, received their
presents, and a petition they had prepared to the emperor, which latter
he was examining when some one announced that the 'golden foot' was
about to advance; when the minister hastily rose up, put on his
state-robes, and prepared to present them to the emperor. They were
conducted through various splendor and parade, up a flight of steps into
a magnificent hall. Mr. Judson says "The scene to which we were now
introduced, really surpassed our expectation. The spacious extent of the
hall, the number and magnitude of the pillars, the height of the dome,
the whole completely covered with gold, presented a most grand and
imposing spectacle. Very few were present, and those evidently great
officers of state. Our situation prevented us from seeing the further
avenue of the hall, but the end where we sat opened into the parade
which the emperor was about to inspect.

"We remained about five minutes, when every one put himself into the
most respectful attitude, and Moung Yo whispered that his majesty had
entered. We looked through the hall as far as the pillars would allow,
and presently caught sight of this modern Ahasuerus. He came forward,
unattended--in solitary grandeur--exhibiting the proud gait and majesty
of an eastern monarch. His dress was rich but not distinctive, and he
carried in his hand the gold-sheathed sword, which seems to have taken
the place of the sceptre of ancient times. But it was his high aspect
and commanding eye, that chiefly rivetted our attention. He strided on.
Every head excepting ours, was now in the dust. We remained kneeling,
our hands folded, our eyes fixed on the Monar