Page 157 - A History of Siam

A HISTORY OF SIAM 149

with their friends at home. The
intrigued Peguan
Governor of Moulmein finally raised the standard of
rebellion. The Burmese Governor of Martaban
pre-
to subdue him force. He to Siam
pared by appealed
for aid. King Naresuen was only too pleased to assist
him, and despatched an army of 30,000 men, which
Martaban. The Prince of 1
speedily captured Taungu
was ordered to drive out the intruders. He
attempted
to do so, but his army was driven back by the Siamese
and Peguans as far north as Thaton. It was not thought
safe, however, for the comparatively small Siamese
force to the Burmese too far. therefore
pursue They
retreated. 1
As a result of this a of
expedition, large part Pegu
remained under the Burma
suzerainty of Siam, whereby
was weakened and Siam
greatly proportionately strength-
ened. It must not be forgotten, however, that Pegu was
by this time, owing to continual wars, a very different
from what it had been in the of
country reigns Tabeng
Shwe T'i and Bhureng Noung.
During the next ten years we see Burma, far from
and as she had done con-
invading devastating Siam,
tinuously since the year 1549, herself a prey to internal
commotions, and ill able to act the part of an aggressor.
Siam, on the other hand, was troubled with no internal
broils. Her King was therefore able, for the first time
in his reign, to pay serious attention to his home affairs.
At this he to cultivate the
time, also, began friendship
of the Spaniards and Portuguese, who had settled in
Siam in considerable numbers. In 1598 one Don Tello

l He had recently succeeded
This Prince was a cousin of Nanda Bhureng.
his father, Min Khaung, brother of Bhureng Noung.
Burmese history asserts that the Siamese were defeated by the Prince of
Taungu on this occasion. The reader may take his choice. The results of the
expedition appear to have been favourable to Siam.