The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-03-13

mances, under certain restrictions which
it is not necessary to mention here.
On tie morning of the 18th, in company
with Woun- Tafac, the Princes eldest sor,
who was to witness the celebrated rites for
the first time, l set out up the river in
covered barge. We had guard of five
swordsmen, and the boat moved merrily
ahead, propelled by the strong, habile arms
of twenty-five OaTsmen. The Meinan is
very beautiful river, and the scenes along
/ its banks varied and curious. But the
weather was hot and sultry, the awning
tempted to slumber, the young Prince did
not spare the iced champagne, which his
bheareis knew how to flavor deliciousry
with certain aromatic stimulant herbs,
and-well, / have no notes of the voyage
which passed swiftly enough. At dark
OH the evening of the 10th, we debarked
and mounted elephants to Juthia, reaching
there at midnight. The Prince took me
to cousin of his fathers, who dweit in
that city, and, as the ceremonies were to
begin early the next day, we took bath
emptied the last bottle of Roederer, and
slept the sleep of the just.
Woun-t -tajac called me very early the
next day, and he and his fathers cousin,
jolly fat old gentleman called Soondatch-
. Tam Boubar, set to work to prepare me
for witnessing the performances in the
great pogoda. 4 white turban was wound
around my head, my skin was stained the
color of new bronze, my mustache ruth
lessly trimmed down, blackeG and waxed
till it had the proper Malayan detected
droop and tenuity, my eyebrows BACKED
and native garments furnished me, over
which wore the long white robes which
l was told were peculiar to the INITIATED. =
At o'clock we started for the pagoda-
Soondatch and I having had our bleak
fasts, but Wouu, being 4 noophyte, was
compelled to go fasting.
The pagoda of Juthia is more celebrated
for its sacredness than its size or the
splendor of it's architecture. 1t is never
theless 4 building of some very striking
features. 1t Is situated without the city;
upon broad and commanding terrace,
elevated considerably above the level of
.
the city by a long blick-paveG avenue,
wide, straight and imposing. This avenue,
which is half a mile in length and nearly
/ 100 feet wide, is bordered upon each side
| by rows of palm groves, in the silent
! shades of which stand innumeraLle small
votive pagodas, with gilded images and
statues of Buddha in all his characters,
but especially as the calm, stagnant, peace
full Gautama. At the extremity of he
avenue is a fight of broad sandstone steps.
then terrace, decorated with flowers and
statuettes with much taste then another
broad fight of steps. finally through 4
great gateway guarded by mOnstrous
atues, we came to the terrace upon which
the temple is planted. The feet'of millions
of worshippers and pilgrims had worn
their way into the steps and flags of the
terraces, and both steps and terraces, as
well as all the environs of the temple, were
crowded with an immense multitude of
persons, who necessarily moved about 10
and fro, yet never spoke above a whisper.
These made way for us as we passed with q
respect mingled of reverance and curiosity.
Bands of male and female boazes PASSED
to and fro in the crowd, swinging ccnsers
and scattering flowers. Some Of these
were shockingIy mutilated, having cut off
thsir fingers, their ears, their noses, aud
even their eye-lids, in the excess of their
devotion to Buddha's service.
The pagoda itself is an immense circu-
lar building with a square top, like
gasometer, and trimmed around with agal-
lery supported by gigantic columns, paint
ed with vivid red and dashed over with
dusting of gold, giving them a peculiarly
brilliant effect. Underneath this portico
the building was entered by eight tall
doorways, each grOtesquely sculptured
with griffins, crocodiles, and serpents.
Behind the buildiug, like a pile of plates
narrowing to candle extinguisher ut the
apex, rose the characteristic bclLco.e Of
these temples. 1t was multitudinous with
bells, banners, say lanterns, bright stream
ers. 1t was elaborately, even grotesquely
ornamented, gilded, colOred and decorated
with curiously shaped squares oE porcelain,
so that it was almost too dazzling in the
At its base a small forest of pasodas clus-
tered crowding up to the very base of tue
columns supporting the temple gallery.
Soondatch and Woun-Tajac, each hold
ing me by an arm, now directed me to-
wards one or the doorways of the temple.
1t was guarded by two men with drawn
swords and very fierce aspect, who stood
in front of heavy dIapery of red cloth
that completely concealed the interior of
the temple from outside eyes. At trip I
pie password these men admitted my COM .
panions, but crossed their swords before .
my breast. Soondatch whispered in the
ear of the elder of the two-he started, /
gazed at me inteutly, but did not withdraw +,
his barrier. Woun showed him si-net
He took it and reverently placed it upon
his forehead5 yet still he refrsed to admit .
me. There was a controversy between the .
doorkeeper and my companions, and at