538 Specimen of the Burmese Drama. [July, 



use ; then the beings of the celestial regions understanding the sign 

 regarding the five embryo deities, called this world on which we live 

 Batta (kat). — Is it not so, my lords ? 



4th Noble. My friends ; in the palace of audience, the thirty- 

 three images of superior beings and the images of lions are keep- 

 ing watch over the throne— the gold, the silver, the emeralds, the 

 flowers, the sapphires, the topazes, and the rubies, are glittering 

 among the other emblems of royalty — the umbrella of state is being 

 spread — the noblemen are in attendance in their robes and helmets — 

 the sovereign of the golden palace is arraying himself in his royal 

 habiliments — the procession will soon be formed to the music of the 

 silver gong, the golden bell, and the celestial harp and lute, and issue 

 forth headed by the four grand divisions of the royal army, marching 

 to the sound of the martial drums ; — Let us therefore listen in silence 

 for the warning of the five silver gongs. 



\_The royal procession enters. 



King. From the period when the system was destroyed by fire, 

 air, and water, and again renewed, the dynasty which has produced 

 five valorous monarchs has descended unbroken to me, the sovereign 

 of the south island : Are the people happy in the remotest hamlet of 

 my possessions ? 



Noble. Oh, wearer of the jewelled crown, who unfurleth the 

 royal umbrella, and sitteth on the throne, guarded by rows of lions ! 

 the hundred subject kings are in attendance with their daughters. 



King. Represent to the sun of the world, truly and quickly, what 

 you have to say. 



Noble. Oh, king of the universe, whose merit is matured ; 

 whose glory is increasing ; whose august coronation has been celebra- 

 ted ; whose merchants and rich men go hither and thither under 

 the royal protection ; whose markets, rivers, rivulets, and lesser 

 streams are crowded with people, canoes, and boats passing to and 

 fro ; whose royal staff being set up is surrounded by thousands of 

 people going and coming ; whose officers of customs, guards, and ferry- 

 men keep watch at the landing places — the Governor of the sea- ward 

 provinces sends a dispatch to the golden city, the contents of which 

 shall be truly conveyed into the royal ear. 



ACT. 



Scene 1st. — City of the silver mountain. The nine princesses in the 



palace with their attendants. 



Princesses. Shory Tsa ! Shory Phee ! — ye wise waiting women, 



who live under the shadow of the single pillared abode of royalty, 



come with us to the country of Pyentsa. 



