Page 274 - A History of Siam

A HISTORY OF SUM
258
King of Cambodia had not, by that time, adopted
a humbler tone, more of his territory was to be
seized.
The to Nak'on Srit'ammarat
expedition began badly.
The army met with a reverse near Jaiya, and the Generals
started and in mutual recrimina-
quarrelling indulging
tions. The King hurried to Jaiya by sea, arriving in
August. His presence at once set matters right. The
army of King Musika was routed, and he himself fled
to Nak'on Srit'ammarat. When King Taksin's army
the walls of the Musika
approached city, King gave up
all and escaped to the south. King Taksin entered
hope,
the in state. The Governor was followed
city fugitive
to Patani. A threat of war caused the Raja of that State
to deliver him up, and he was sent back to Nak'on
Srit'ammarat.
King Taksin's treatment of his defeated rival shows the
side of his character. His councillors
generous urged
"
the execution of the prisoner. No," replied the King ;
"
he was never my servant, nor I his master. We were
both servants of King Ekat'at, and when our master
was dead, neither of us had any better right than the
other to set himself up as King. My luck has been
better than his, that is all." The ex-Governor was taken
to Bangkok and given an official appointment, and
a few later was sent back to Nak'on
years govern
Srit'ammarat.
King Taksin was delayed at Nak'on Srit'ammarat for
than he had and did not return to
longer expected, Bang-
kok until March 1769. A rumour was spread that he
was dead, and the armies from Siamrap and Battambang
had returned before the the Generals in command
King,
that there be disturbances in the
fearing might capital.
Cambodia was therefore left alone that
year.