WD540(76)

‘Mameet. Taline Lady. Daughter of the Native Magistrate of Prome.’

THESE young Ladies were daughters of the Tseekay, or native Magistrate, of Prome, and are believed to he very characteristic of the gentler looking and prettier race of the Talines, or Peguers. They were exceedingly fair, and rendered to appearance more so by a delicate dusting of sandal wood, with which they both powder the skin, and scent the person.

Mameet, the elder, about 17 years of age, was more particularly pleasing and winning; the only drawback to an otherwise remarkably pretty face, being in the mouth, the appearance of which was not improved by the Burmese habit of smoking and pawn chewing. She wore a profuse necklace of pearls (real or artificial), about twenty rows of which extended from the neck to the waist, whilst small rows of pearls and rubies encircled the throat, and rings ornamented the fingers.

The figures of these ladies, borrowing no aid of crinoline, were arrayed in the simplest close fitting garments, of gay coloured silk and muslin. Their manners were pleasing and natural; unlike the women of India, combining the utmost modesty and propriety, and the absence of affectation and shyness, with that open and fearless confidence which characterizes more enlightened people.

The women of Burmah, generally, appeared to be quick, intelligent, and communicative; ever ready to furnish information and guidance when men (possibly from a greater sense of responsibility) were sometimes found to be timid and backward.

Mameet was married to a Mogul; and with several other sisters, (all of whom were pretty and interesting in their appearance,) — visited the steamers under no other guide or protectorship than that of their intelligent and loquacious mother, and a troop of female attendants.