1867.] copied in the temple of Nahhon Vat. 81 



may I feci disposed to give alms, to do virtuous and meritorious 

 works incessantly. And furthermore I pray particularly to possess 

 that special wisdom vouchsafed to Taminsheah when still in the 

 state of man, that wisdom which enabled him to solve all the 

 problems invented by Nonthea-Sack in Nirupai, when, overcome by 

 the prince of meritorious glory, he was made his slave and inspired 

 by fear, and followed him as his servant. Thus he became the prince 

 Apangtirat ; and then a prince called on the Lord Viroxar, who at com- 

 mand received the name of Manang-Taek, because he used coarse and 

 repulsive words, and did not know to speak properly by reason of his 

 having beeu a garrulous and talkative fellow in one of his former 

 existences. May I obtain a virtuous mind like Phra-Demiah (Temi),* 

 who patiently bore all the trials his father put him to. I pray to 

 obtain wisdom equal to that of Phra-Kala when born as Mahosot, 

 whose wisdom, surpassing the wisdom of everybody else, being 

 equalled by none, overcame Phra-Chulani. May I give alms, rich 

 alms and freely, in the same spirit as Phra-Mund, as Phra Vetsandon 

 and his lady (Nang) Matsi who faithfully followed him, equal to 

 Nang Nontha, being born of the same mothers, children of the same 

 parents in the course of different existences. And with great beauty 

 were they gifted, and boundless knowledge was their share, till they 

 entered heaven, in which I also pray to be received. Separated from 

 my beloved ones in this sad existence, I hopefully wish to remain 

 united to them, when reborn in my next existence, whether as animal 

 or as man. May I always be surrounded by truthful friends. May 

 I always possess my children and relations. May I always see before 

 me those good women, Nang Pas and Nang Behn, and then these 

 men here, Sues and Pho and Im and Png. I wish in my prayers to 

 he endowed with mighty power and authority, to be learned in magic 

 arts, well versed in them like unto Phra Isor, who called back to 



* The Buddhists distinguish the lesser existences, 550 in number, from the 

 greater ones, of which they count 50. The former contain the framework of 

 those fables, which in various compilations have travelled far and wide through 

 western nations. Of the greater existences, in which the Bodhisatwa has taken 

 human form, the ten of the Thosse-Xat are especially venerated and the most 

 holy one is the last Tataka, that of Phra Vetsandon, as immediately preceding 

 the incarnation of the Buddha. These ten existences begin with the history 

 of Temi, a pious child, who, when still in the cradle, imposed on himself 

 ascetic penances. 



11 



