262 



ON THE GOVERNMENT 



It is well known that the Siamese believe that the royal elephants 

 are receptacles for migratory souls of kings. For this reason they may 

 not be rode on. The white elephant is in Bali MSS. described as 

 lineally descended from the famous Chattjianto Q) or preternaturally gifted 

 elephant of Himala, which of old bore on its back the renowned Raja, 

 or PJiraya, Bciromma cliakhra, he who could throw the mighty Chakkra, 

 the fiery discus of the gods. Ten Battuta informs us that when he 

 visited Ceylon white elephants were venerated there — next to the 

 white elephant, in estimation, are white monkeys and horses. We may 

 by the way remark that the Siamese have not yet thought fit to be 

 so consistent as to include the tvhite race of men amongst their predilec- 

 tions. But they go by cold scholastic rule, and not by reason or feeling, 

 and will waste more mistaken humanity upon a tiger or muskito than 

 they are always willing to shew towards one of their own species. 



From all that can be gathered there is no great degree of state kept up 

 in the interior of the palace. The king (if he does his duty) rises at day 

 break. Having dressed, he prays and bestows food on the priests ; and 

 then drinks some rice gruel. Proceeding next to the hall of state he trans- 

 acts the business of the morning. Breakfast succeeds, the assembly dis- 

 persing to their houses for the purpose. The king's cooks, and his imme- 

 diate private attendants are women. If his queen is an (^) Akkjiamaheesee or 

 of royal descent, she may eat with him, and if not, then only by special 

 request and permission. 



The trays on which his food is served up have wooden covers ; over 

 these cloths of silk are put in shape of a purse, the cords of which having 

 been drawn, the chief cook affixes his seal. The king breaks the seals him- 

 self, when the dinner is placed before him — such a custom evinces at a 

 glance, the instability of the throne. The dishes usually consist of butcher's 



Q) Chhaddanta. 



(-) Aggamahesl. 



