King. Inspire me, O Thou who wert a Law unto thyself!
P. Be thou endowed with all wisdom, and all acts of industry!
K. Inspire me with all knowledge, O Thou the Enlightened!
P. Let Mercy and Truth be thy right and left arms of life!
K. Inspire me, O Thou who hast proved all Truth and all Mercy!
P. Let the Sun, Moon, and Stars bless thee!
K. All praise to Thee, through whom all forms are conquered!
P. Let the earth, air, and waters bless thee!
K. Through the merit of Thee, O thou conqueror of Death! [Footnote: For these translations I am indebted to his Majesty, Maha Mongkut; as well as for the interpretation of the several symbols used in this and other solemn rites of the Buddhists.]
These prayers ended, the priests conduct the king to another throne, facing the east, and still more magnificent. Here the insignia of his sovereignty are presented to him,—first the sword, then the sceptre; two massive chains are suspended from his neck; and lastly the crown is set upon his head, when instantly he is saluted by roar of cannon without and music within.