U P P E R S I A M. 45 



o^ Bankokt the key of the kingdom, feated on the river, between 

 the capital and the fea. J all as every thing was ready for exe- 

 cution, in May 1689, the plot was difcovered ; Monpi was feized 

 by the king's fon, and his head caft at Pbaulkoii'^ feet. The mi- 

 jiifter, thus hurled from his greatnefs, was tortured and almofi: 

 ftarved to death, then carrier! out of town, and beheaded ; his 

 body cut in two, and covered with a little earth, was foon de- 

 voured by the dogs ; a fad proof how Ambitio male fuadu ruit. 



The kingdom of Siam is divided from north to fouth by a Account of 

 long range of lofty mountains. On the weft fide, or next to the 

 bay oi Bengal^ the country is vifited by continual rains during the 

 time the Monfoons blow from that quarter. On the eaflern fide 

 no fuch deluges are known, nor any floods but what are the effects 

 of the moderate inundations of the Meinam, which fertilize the 

 country beyond defcription. The ufeful grain rice is produced Fertility. 

 in amazing crops, and every delicate fruit of the Indies without 

 cultivation. Raynal mentions among the prqdudtions of Siafn^ 

 log-wood like that cut in Campeachy. It is a terreftrial paradife, 

 but lofes all its advantages by groaning under the moft defpotic 

 government on earth. The monarch rules within his feraglio, 

 and his grandees are let loofe to opprefs the wretched common- 

 alty, according to their caprice and unreftrained will. Domi- 

 nions thus governed, ftretch near a thoufand miles from north 

 to foath, or from Lat, 20° 2>^ to Lat. 7°o', and in the broadeft part 

 extend three hundred and fixty. 



The religion of the country is the fame with that inculcated Religion. 

 by the Bramins ; but the Bramins of Siam are not a peculiar 

 race, like thofe of Hindoojlan ; here every one who chufes af- 



fumes 



