The Memoirs of a White Elephant

they placed on my back a mantle of purple and gold, and upon my head a chaplet of pearls and the royal diadem. They fastened heavy gold bracelets on my legs, and on my tusks gold rings s

plied by thundering outbursts of trumpeting, the noise of which followed me for a long way. All the inhabitants of Bangok were out, as on the day of my triumphal entry. They were in hol

ack elephant-a giant among elephants. On his right and on his left

rendered her invisible. The Prince was young and handsome; he had

high functionaries, according to rank, and mounted on elephants or horses, followed by their servants, who carried behind each noble lord

ess, consisting of numberless boxe

days. This was the "farewell" of the King, the Princes and the people to th

hip a Buddha carved out of a single emerald, which has not its equal in

RMED AND BEGAN ITS MARCH. I

raversed by bridges and canals to the shores

ndred-Peaks"-the "Rameau-Sabad"-the "Hill-of-Precious-Stones" and others. But the spectacle of t

d made to imitate the head of a gigantic fish with goggle eyes; all sorts of boats, sampans, and rafts, supporting tents of silk which looked like

red, and the people gave such a deafening shout that I should have died o

to India lay at the wharf with s

re we wer

from their elephants. The Mandarins forme

White Elephants, Infallible, and All-Powerful," made a speech, while chewing Betel, which stained h

-in-law, also made a speech, less long-chewi

teak wood, and because of the horses, whom my presence terrified greatly. A long whistle was heard;

d on the wharf as long as he could see us. I was deeply moved at leaving this city, where I had

d back. At a turn of the river all disappear

ilence, "let us wait before we either weep or re

sensations. Little by little we put out to sea.... Then it was horrible! My head spun round; my legs failed me; an atrocious misery twisted me in the stomach. I

e to serve Her. But for any other reason I would massa