OF SIAM. 



251 



"* Saromma Krasat 



Chaau kjiait deng. The Lord of the red rice.(^) 



This title is bestowed on the King, because he distributes, or ought to 

 distribute dressed rice to all ranks during the three days on which is held 

 the great festival called Wan troot U wan Songhkraan,(^) It happens 

 about the middle of the fourth month. Much state is displayed on the 

 coronation of a king. 



The account which is now to be given of the ceremonies which took 

 place on one occasion when a Siamese king voluntarily resigned the sceptre 

 to his legal successor, has been principally extracted from a MS. in the 

 Thai language. 



" The illustrious sovereign of earth and sky having publicly announc- 

 " ed his intention to pass the remainder of his life in the service of religion, 

 " and to resign the crown into the hands of the Chaau lok thoo yai, or heir 

 " apparent, named Chau faa da dooa, the astrologers were therefore required 

 " to fix a day for the august ceremony of installation. 



" All the officers of state in the capital, and all the governors of pro- 

 " vinces and their subordinates, who could be spared from their important 

 *' functions, were summoned to the presence, that they might behold, and 

 *' swear allegiance to, their new king, and be gratified by laying their 

 " Leads beneath the sublime feet. They were also directed to bring their 

 " wives to court in case of their services being desired as attendants on the 

 *' queen. 



" As the fortunate day approached the populace were entertained with 

 " feasting and every kind of revel, and the priests were sumptuously fed 

 " and clothed. 



" The prince went frequently in procession round the city [or that 

 " part of it which is fortified.] 



(') Perhaps ratber Chau hhau din, lord of cultivable land. 



(') Sankranti, the entrance of the Sun into the zodiacal sign aries. 



