The Memoirs of a White Elephant

ter, was called Alemguir, which s

as accustomed; he did not prostrate himself, nor even

ght of in India than in Siam, but because he found me intelligent, good-tempered, and obedient-more so than any of his

who bears the God Indra. The title was certainly sufficiently honourable, and I was easily co

me as her mount; but she never would consent to install herself on my back.... "

of her forefathers, undergoing a

d-naturedly upon the subjec

k elephant, and kept

promenades, in festivals, and in

out, in spite of the trouble that this stirring existence imposed upon him also found it

lowing the marriage of Alemguir with Saphire-of-Heaven grave anx

without ceasing to fasten a quarrel upon the Prince o

onciliatory efforts of the ambassadors, a war seemed imminent. The Princess wrote to her father, the King of Siam, who

athing of horn covered me and descended below my knees; on my head was a helmet of metal, with a visor of iron, perforated with holes for the eyes, and a point projected from the middle of the forehead. My crupper and flanks were defend

ed me to the portico of the Palace overlooking the great Courtyard, where were assembled all the chiefs o

our, under a light breastplate studded with diamonds; he carried a round sh

harangued his troops; but as I did not then un

en rushed out of the Palace, followed by all her women,

you exposed to wounds and death? The heir which we hoped would be born in joy and festivity, now will enter life a

d felt my heart ache

ain his tears. He made an effort, however, to

r honour, and the welfare of our people are more dear to us than our own happiness. We must set

fe, will live to bring up our Child; and hereafter we shall

f the Princess caught on the breastplate of the Prince and was

, and it was to me that the Prince

e me, for thou hast the soul of one of my Ancestors.... Guard the Prince! Prot

ecame as pale as snow, and fell fai

Master with all my might, and not to fai

Princess, which made her unconsciou

ity, to join the main army, which

the centre; the Horsemen on the right and left,

; the drums beat; the whole army gav