82 
MISSIONARY TOUR 
end was a kind of inner court, which might be called 
the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, where the prin¬ 
cipal idol used to stand, surrounded by a number of 
images of inferior deities. 
In the centre of this inner court was the place where 
the anu was erected, which was a lofty frame of wicker¬ 
work, in shape something like an obelisk, hollow, and 
four or five feet square at the bottom. Within this the 
priest stood, as the organ of communication from the 
god, whenever the king came to inquire his will; for 
his principal god was also his oracle, and when it was 
to be consulted, the king, accompanied by two or three 
attendants, proceeded to the door of the inner temple, 
and standing immediately before the obelisk, inquired 
respecting the declaration of war, the conclusion of 
peace, or any other affair of importance. The answer 
was given by the priest in a distinct and audible voice, 
though, like that of other oracles, it was frequently 
very ambiguous. On the return of the king, the an¬ 
swer he had received was publicly proclaimed, and 
generally acted upon. I have frequently asked the 
people, whether, on these occasions, there was not 
some previous agreement between the king and the 
priest. They generally answered in the negative, or 
said they did not know. 
On the outside, near the entrance to the inner court, 
was the place of the rere (altar,) on which human and 
other sacrifices were offered. The remains of one of 
the pillars that supported it were pointed out by the 
natives, and the pavement around was strewed with 
bones of men and animals, the mouldering remains of 
those numerous offerings once presented there. About 
the centre of the terrace was the spot where the king’s 
