4 
A TRANSLATION OF THE KEDDAH ANNALS. 
After the war of R&ma the Island of Lankapuri became a 
desert, and fell under the rule of the mighty bird Girda, 
which however had previously harboured on the Island ( b ). 
He was a lineal descendant from Maha Raja Dewan, and he 
was strong in battle, of supernatural power, and dreaded by 
animals, reptiles and birds. 
It happened that the bird Rajawali paid a visit to Girda, 
and asked him if he had not learned that the King of Rum 
intended contracting a marriage betwixt his son and a prin¬ 
cess of China, although these two countries lay wide apart, 
and that on account of the distance between them, a fleet of 
vessels was to be despatched from Rum to convey the royal 
lady from China. Girda replied that the old Crow had 
already given him this information, as he had seen the gift 
bearing embassy on its way to China. Girda further observed 
that the king of Rum would most likely fail in this attempt to 
display his power and consequence to distant potentates. 
tc Have a little patience, Rajawali, I will instantly fly off and 
pay my respects to the Prophet Sfiliman (Solomon,) whose 
superhuman wisdom has exalted him over all the other 
kings of the earth—and whose prime minister is Hurman- 
sh&h. His Majesty will assuredly interdict the king of Rum 
from negociating such an alliance. (2) (c). 
Girdd having reported to king Suliman the state of 
affairs. His Majesty observed that, when a Prince and Prin¬ 
cess are once betrothed, it is not an easy matter to break off 
the alliance. Girda, not satisfied with this remark, swore 
that he would abandon the haunts of men, and cease to 
wheel in the heavens, should he fail to effect their separa¬ 
tion. The King said—very well—let me know the result. 
Girdk now soared alolt on his dusky pinions, and speedily 
reached China. He here alighted in a garden where the 
Princess, attended by her foster mother, and an attendant, 
was gathering flowers. Gircih instantly lifted the three into 
( b) Tbe Island is Ceylon—-and Girdd ir the Indian G6rui'& the eagle kina', 
the snake—detourer, the bird of Heri and of Viehim. is aucther 
kind of eagle famous in Hindu mythology, 
(e) His squilaic Majesty does not let us know his objections to the match. 
It could scarcely have been on the score of religion, since the Emperors of 
China were Islamites. 
But our Chronicler here perpetrates a grievous anachronism when he makes 
G&rudd speak of King Solomon as if alive—although he only tollows in the 
steps of many native eastern authorities—who use the name of “ the wisest of 
men” as a sort of talisman for producing supernatural events, and for rec n- 
ciling every inconsistency,—a method of settling doubtful points which was 
much in vogue in the dark ages of Europe. 
