mpse of the
country. On either side of the mighty river was dense jungle,
extending far inland. Here and there along the banks were small
fishing villages, with quaint little wooden huts built on tall poles to
prevent their being flooded or invaded by tigers, cheetahs or snakes.
Near every village were several pagodas whose spires rose above the
jungle; and there were many pagodas standing far from any habitation.

As the Judsons drew near to Rangoon they saw on the hill, near by, the
great Shway Dagon Pagoda with its tall, gilded spire shining in the sun
with a brilliancy that was dazzling. But soon they turned from gazing
at the Mecca of the Burmese Buddhists to view the town, a big
collection of bamboo and mat huts protected by forts with guns, which
the people fondly believed would utterly destroy any foreign fleet
which dared to ascend the river. Many trading vessels were riding at
anchor off the city, and canoes of various sizes and design were
passing to and from them. It was a busy scene, made bright by the
gorgeous turbans of the rowers, and the brilliant attire of high
officials.

Mr. and Mrs. Judson landed at Rangoon not only unmolested, but with a
friendly greeting from the natives. These swarmed round them smiling
pleasantly, and exhibiting none of the appearances of
atrocity-perpetrators. The women were greatly interested in Mrs.
Judson, and when she smiled at them they laughed merrily. This
unexpectedly pleasant reception greatly cheered the Judsons, and made
them eager to begin work. But before they could do this they had to
learn the Burmese language, not a word of which they knew. They could
not obtain an interpreter, for the reason that no one, with the
exception of a few merchants, understood English. The European
merchants who at that time lived in Burma were, with scarcely an
exception, men of poor character. A missionary was the last person
these men would welcome or help.

Having settled down in their home, Mr. and Mrs. Judson began to learn
the Burmese language, a difficult task, considering that they had
neither dictionary nor grammar to assist them. Mrs. Judson, having to
buy food and superintend her servants, soon learnt a few Burmese
sentences, but her husband was learning the language scientifically,
with the intention of eventually translating the Bible into Burmese.
When both knew sufficient Burmese to make themselves understood, they
engaged teachers to help them with th