GALLE TRILINGUAL STONE. 125 



All the available evidence points to the conclusion that the Tamil 

 and Persian inscriptions are merely translations of the Chinese : 

 the enumeration of the gifts sent by the Chinese Emperor evidently 

 misled Dr. Harowitz in concluding that a mercantile transaction 

 was described in the imperfect Persian inscription. The only 

 translation of the Tamil available, that made by a Galle student, 

 would confirm this view. 



For a detailed consideration of the Chinese invasion of Ceylon in 

 the fifteenth century vide Bell's Report of the Kegalla District 

 (Ceylon Archaeological Survey), pp. 91-93 ; and my Papers Alakes- 

 wara, Appendices A and B (Journal R.A.S., C.B., Vol. XVIII., 

 No. 55, p. 281) ; and Sri Parakrama Bahu VI. (Journal R.A.S., 

 C.B., Vol. XXIL, No. 63, p. 2). 



A summary of the correspondence relating to the decipherment 

 of the tablet is subjoined. 



[Note. — Although satisfactory readings of the Tamil and Persian 

 inscriptions have not yet been obtained, it is thought advisable to 

 publish the opinion of the various experts obtained up to the 

 present. Epigraphists are invited to assist in deciphering the Tamil 

 and Persian. — Ed.] 



Appendix I. 



Translation of the Chinese Inscription. 



His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming dynasty has despatched 

 the eiinuchs Ching-Ho, Wang Ch'ing-Lien, and others to set forth his 

 utterance before Buddha, the World Honoured One, as follows : 



" Deeply do we reverence you, Merciful and Honoured One, whose 

 bright perfection is wide -embracing, and whose way of virtue passes 

 all understanding, whose law enters into all human relations, and the 

 years of whose great Kalpa (period) are like the sand of the river in 

 number, you whose controlling influence ennobles and converts, whose 

 kindness quickens, and whose strength discerns, whose mysterious 

 efficacy is beyond compare ! 



" Whereas Ceylon's mountainous isle lies in the south of the ocean, 

 and its Buddhist temples are sanctuaries of yoiu' gospel, where your 

 miraculous responsive power imbues and enlightens. Of late. We have 

 despatched missions to announce our mandates to foreign nations, and 

 during their journey over the ocean they have been favoured with the 

 blessing of yovu* beneficent protection. They escaped disaster or mis- 

 fortune, and journeyed in safety to and fro. In everlasting recognition 

 of your supreme virtue, We, therefore, bestow offerings in recompense, 

 and do now reverently present before Buddha, the Honovired One, 

 oblations of gold and silver, gold embroidered jewelled banners of 

 variegated silk, incense burners, and flower vases, silks of many colours 

 in lining and exterior, lamps and candles with other gifts, in order to 

 manifest the high honour of our worship. Do you, Lord Buddha^, 

 bestow on them your regard ! "' 



