1856.] A Burmese inscription. 177 



casts of the eight holy places ;* the precious intelligent relic of 

 Buddha, all handsome as the elephant Poo-la-lai. The religious merit 

 aspired to, though it may not be attained, yet the desire for it can- 

 not be obliterated, (therefore) joining with those of the laity, men 

 and women who were acting in accordance with each other, and (I) 

 taking the lead of them, the ancient relic chamber was repaired ; 

 and the implements required for the good work and for the clergy, 

 that is, refreshment and flowers, being provided, may the leader 

 of all those men derive advantage therefrom throughout the 5000 

 years 10 of this religion. Jewels, gold and silver, (were given) to 

 beautify the building. The lotus and every part thereof with the 

 Htee 11 and all its apparatus were complete, so that carrying on the 

 work well until it was finished, at the time of meeting to inaugurate 

 the building, the sacred fabric was beautifully adorned by (my) 

 exertions given joyfully and as a labour of love. 



On account of this good work, may I at last attain that blissful 

 place, where passion troubleth no more. 12 



Notes. 



1. Be victorious. — The original is a Pali word generally used at the commence- 

 ment of religious documents, and implying, I believe, that the disciples of Buddha 

 must strive to overcome their passions. 



2. Bhadoon Prince. — This king was the fourth son of Aloung Phra, the founder 

 of the present dynasty of Burmah. 



3. Koonboung, is the name of the original district of the family of Aloung Phrn. 



4. The era of religion dates from 543 B. C. when Gautama attained Paree-neib- 

 ban. The year of religion 2336 therefore = A. D. 1793. 



5. Boolean is the name of a small stream which enters the Irrawaddy, a short 

 distance South of the town of Prome. 



6. Inoo-la-tharri'ba-wa , and Maha-tham-ba-wa, were the sons of the king of 

 Tagoung, an ancient kingdom to the North of Ava, believed to have been founded 

 by a race of Buddhist kings from India. These Princes being blind were expelled 

 their country as unworthy to reign. Being put on a raft they floated down the 

 Irrawaddy, and from incidents which occurred on their voyage, many of the names 

 of the cities and towns on the banks of that river are derived. While floating down 

 they had their sight restored by the interposition of a Bhee-loo-ma, or female 



* There appears to be some error here, or an allusion which I do not under- 

 stand. The Burmese reckon seven holy places, where Gautama performed seven 

 characteristic acts, after he attained Buddahood. 



