Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-03-20

L Y
the more ancient religion, 50 that the di
versity was infinite. There were imposin
piles; some low, others rising in peaks, ik
mountains, with immense bell-shape
cupolas; chapels surmounted by monstrou
; egg, as white az snow, clasped in q glide
base; long roofs, resting on pillars, abou
which were twisted glittering dragons, who's
scales Of colored glass seemed made o
precious stones; there were pyramid
formed of roofs, lacquered in gold, green
blue and red, terraced in diminishing stage
to the top, whence sprang an immense dar
of gold tipped with crystal button, which
shone like monstrous diamond in the ray
of the sun. On the sides of certain build
roofs, were fantastic monsters in sandal
wood, studded withgold and enamel, seem
ing ready to spring upward to tear the SKY
with their teeth. Then4here were structures
of bamboo, all open to the day, of an ex
| quisite workmanship. To-day these splen
doris are no more. Then it was q COLDER
dream-a fable of the Orient, realized by
human industry.
"At the city gates we were received by
the King and all the court. The monarch
| alighted from his horse to salute me. Then
was shown into an ediice, where they pro-
ceeded to make my ceremonial toilet. The
King had brought me ornaments in q large
chest of cedar wood, incrusted with ivory,
carried by the finest and the most beauti.
fully adorned of his elephants. But how
outshone this luxurious subaltern when I
appeared in my festal attirel Aor began by
bathing and perfuming me with great care.
Then they clothed me with long scarlet
bands, embroidered with gold and silk,
which were draped skillfully about me,
without concealing the beauty of my shape
and the sacred whiteness Of my skin. They
set on my head tiara of scarlet cloth, gilt
tering with large diamonds and wonderful
rubles; they bound my forehead with nine
circles of precious stones-a consecrated
ornament which destroys the influence Of
evil spirits Between my eyes shone .
crescent of stones and q plaque Of gold, on
which my titles were engraved. Silver
tassels Of the finest workmanship hung
from my ears; rings Of gold, set with
emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, were put
on nv tusks, whose whiteness and brilliancy
attested my youth and my purity. Two
large bucklers Of solid gold covered my
shoulders. Finally purple cushion was
set on my neck, and I saw with joy that my
dear Aor wore e sarong of white silk shot
with silver, bracelets of fine gold on his
arms aud legs, and light shawl of the
softest white cashmere wound about his
head. He also had been bathed and per-
fumed. His limbs were finer and more per-
fectly modelled than those of the Burmans;
his skin was darker, and his eyes softer and
more brilliant When saw him receive,
to lead me, . wand encrusted with pearls
and encirc1ed with rubies, was proud of
him and embraced him warmly. I lay down
friend might take his seat without disar-
ranging my ornaments, and then stood up
so proud and imposing that the King him
self was struck with my dignity, and de-
clared that never had so noble and beautiful
. sacred elephant assured the prosperity Of
his empire.
'The progress to my palace lasted moro
than three hours The ground was strewn
with leaves and flowers Braziers set in
the way difused sweet perfumes. Tho
Kings orchestra and mine played, and
troops Of lovely girls danced before US At
each opening street new professions Joined
us, of the grandees of city and country who
brought presents and followed me in double
line. The air was heavy with the smoke of
perfumes and rang with blare of music
thunder.
"We stopped in wide, open arena that
I might look on at games and dances. Itook
pleasure in all that was agreeable and
splendid; but I was Mortified at the combats
between animals Seeing two elephants,
which had been rendered ferocious BY q
special dietary and system of torment
together with their trunks en-
laced and tearing each other with their
tusks, I left my place of honor and rushed
into the arena to part the combatanta Aor
had not time to restrain me and cries of
despair arose on every side. They feared !
lest the adversaries should fall on me. But
no sooner did they see me near them than |
their rage subsided as if by magic, and they |
turned from each other confused and humili- |
ated
"Aor said that could not bear the sight |
Of blood, and that after journey of more |
han 500 leagues absolutely needed rest. |
The people were greatly moved by my con-
luct, and the wise men took my part say
ing that Buddha condemned cruel sports |
md combats between animals. I had ex-
pressed his will, and for several years these
,ruel amusements were given up.
'They brought me to their palace beyond |
he city, in delicious valley by the river.
This palace was as great and as rich as that
If the king. Beside the river, I had in my
yarden . deep pool Of running water for my
requent ablutiona
81 was weary. plunged into the bath
md then retired to tho hall which was to
erve as my sleeping chamber. There re-
NAMED alone with Aor, having made known
hat I had enough of music and wished NO
'ther society than that Of my friend
''This hall was an imposing dome, sus-
aimed by double colonsde Of pink marble,
ostly stuffs hung before the entrances and
ell in heavy folds on the mosaic floor. NV
'ed was an odorous heap of sandal-wood re-
luced to fine powder.
''My drinking vessel was fountain of
old silver in which four persons might
ave bathed at ease. My eating frame was
table Of gilded lacquer. covered with most
ucculent fruits. In the center of the hall
colossal vase of Japanese porcelain poured
orth cascade of pure water which fell into
basin of lotus flowers. On the edge of
he basin jade birds of gold and silver,
nameled with a thousand changing colors,
eemed to stoop to drink. Odorous gar
ands were festooned over my head. An
immense fan, pendjah. of the palaces Of
ndia,. set in motion by invisible hands,
rought me cool air, constantly renewed
rom the dome.H
To Be Continued Neat SUNDAY