A TRANSLATION OF THE KEDDAH ANNAL*. 267 
be especially directed that the four angles of the fort should 
be well manned. Now there were in the fort only about five 
hundred of the Raja’s slaves* servants, and dependants, all 
ready armed, upon whom he could repose confidence. So he 
stood prepared to meet the attack. 
When the four mantris had reached their houses, they or¬ 
dered that on the morrow all the able bodied ryots should be 
assembled from both the upper and lower districts on the 
river. The Gundang Raya, a great drum, was also beaten, 
such being the signal for the people to collect with arms in 
their hands. The order was promptly obeyed, because the 
people individually hated the Raja for his tyranny and can¬ 
nibal propensity. 
The wife of Raja Rersiyong beheld with great anxiety the 
evils likely to be inflicted on the inmates ot the palace, and 
the people in the fort, on account ot the wicked propensity 
of her husband, and that all were likely to be killed lor the 
fault of one. She therefore selected four dayangs or maids 
of honor, and despatched them with a message to the four 
ministers, requesting that they would not destroy the fort and 
palace or set fire to it, or in such an event all inside would be 
killed. This mission the messengers accomplished without 
the Raja being aware ot it. “If your mistress the Raja Pe- 
rampuan, or queen, said the ministers, laughing, wishes to 
save the fort and people she will join us, for we have no fault 
to find with any one within the walls, excepting Rfija Bersiyong, 
who we intend to kill.” f< Your lordship’s advice will be duly 
reported,” replied the messengers—“But, urged the mantris, 
you must tell the queen that if she denies to join our party, 
she must direct that all the guns of the fort shall be loaded 
with powder only, else there will be slaughter on both sides, 
and much mischief be experienced hereafter.” 
The queen entered into the mantris’ project with alacrity 
and good will. She sent for the panghulu of the fort and the 
captain of the guards to attend her secretly. When her 
highness met them she said—“ Oh panghulus, you are old men, 
and enjoy the confidence of Raja Bersiyong, you know his 
present inclinations, and are aware of his acts. The mantris 
have acquainted me with their wishes,” which she here repeat¬ 
ed. The two panghulus replied—“Your servants are ready 
to do what they can, and to consult with all the people in the 
fort and palace.” The queen informed the two chiefs of the 
communication she had with the four mantris, and what they 
had advised. The two panghulus took leave promising to 
attend to the queen’s wishes, and meanwhile busied themselves 
in (apparently) obeying the orders ot Rhja Bersiyong, 
O o 
