256 the government 



have trod on the delicate political relations of the power which but lately 

 humbled her most ancient and potent adversary ; and to conclude ; — is it 

 certain that the nation does not now think in its blind pride that it was 

 formerly deceived in its high estimate of the strength and courage of that 

 adversary? and are we sure that the contempt which such an erroneous 

 conception must always create, does not fortify it in a belief that the British 

 are less powerful than had been represented ? 



The rules by which Siamese kings affect to regulate their public and 

 private conduct have been chiefly derived from the Bali religious moral and 

 civil codes. Access has been obtained to several of these, and from them 

 have been extracted the rules for kingly governance which occur in these 

 pages. 



The people look up to the king as to one by whose conduct they are to 

 regulate their own, and it is to be regretted that so long as his behaviour 

 does not manifestly and direful! y affect their own happiness, they are about 

 •equally disposed to follow a bad as a good example. But this last is a moral 

 truism in every half civilised country. Thehing ought to practise patience 

 (Khanthee ') when occupied in state affairs, rigidly observe the rules 

 of justice and truth (^»SacMa and be possessed of a discriminating judg- 

 ment (Dheelee^) regarding mankind. He ought to be punctual, decided 

 and unremitting in business, and be ever alive to the interests of his subjects ; 

 refraining from extorting or exacting from them with rigor what he may even 

 rightfully claim as his due. He must faithfully observe the SeeJang {^) or 

 eight moral obligations, and prove his worth by generosity, disinterestedness 

 (Panee Chakang ^) and attention to the reciprocal duties betwixt man and 

 man, (Aiveekang. ^) He should beware of repaying hastily injuries by 

 revengeful actions, and rather increase his fame by the display of calmness 

 and forbearance f-Moo^/ioo^m^^^. ''J Harsh and petulant expressions must 



(') P. Khantt. O P. Sachcha. (') P. Thitt (*) P. Silan. (') P. Pamtakan. 

 ' (") P. Avegan. (') P. Muduvan. 



