“Yesterday we went on board the ship, chose my cabin, and agreed with the captain to take us all for twelve hundred dollars.  The accommodations are excellent, clean and airy.  It is a most beautiful ship, and the captain seems disposed to do all in his power for our comfort....  I am now making preparations for my passage.  Monday we have a prayer-meeting, and on Tuesday we go to Plymouth.  I am doubting whether I ought to go to Bradford again or not.  My nerves are in such a state that I have to make every possible exertion to keep them quiet.  It will only increase my agitation to take a formal leave of my friends and home.”

On the 22d of June, 1823, they sailed from Boston amidst every demonstration of personal attachment and Christian sympathy.  They carried with them a valuable present and a letter from the Convention to the Burman emperor, sent in the hope of conciliating his favor toward the missionaries.

CHAPTER XV.

MESSRS.  JUDSON AND PRICE VISIT AVA.—­THEIR RECEPTION AT COURT.—­THEIR RETURN TO RANGOON.—­MRS. JUDSON’S RETURN.—­A LETTER TO HER PARENTS DESCRIBING THEIR REMOVAL TO AVA.—­DESCRIPTION OF AVA.

It was mentioned that during Mrs. Judson’s absence from Burmah, Dr. Price, the fame of whose medical skill had reached the ‘golden ears,’ had been ordered to Ava, and that Mr. Judson had determined to make another attempt to procure toleration for the Christians by a second visit to the capital.  In a boat furnished by government, they left Rangoon, embarked for Ava, then the capital, and were immediately introduced to the king.  Dr. Price was graciously received, but at the first interview Mr. Judson was scarcely noticed.  Of the second interview, we will give the account in Mr. Judson’s own words.

“To-day the king noticed me for the first time....  After some time he said, ‘And you, in black, what are you? a medical man too?’ ’Not a medical man, but a teacher of religion, your Majesty.’  He proceeded to make a few inquiries about my religion, and then put the alarming inquiry whether any had embraced it.  I evaded by saying ‘Not here.’  He persisted ‘Are there any in Rangoon?’ ‘There are a few.’  ’Are they foreigners?’ I trembled for the consequence of an answer which might involve the little church in ruin; but the truth must be sacrificed or the consequences hazarded; and I therefore replied, ’There are some foreigners and some Burmans.’  He remained silent a few moments, but presently showed he was not displeased, by asking a great variety of questions on religion, and geography and astronomy, some of which were answered in such a satisfactory manner, as to occasion a general expression of satisfaction in all the court present.

“After his Majesty retired, a royal secretary entered into conversation, and allowed me to expatiate on several topics of religion in my usual way.  And all this took place in the presence of the very man, now an Atwenwoon, (one of the highest officers) who many years ago, caused his uncle to be tortured under the iron mall, for renouncing Buddhism and embracing the Romish religion!...