Page 92 - A History of Siam

A HISTORT OF SIAM
90
as a He was doubtless to take this
priest. inspired
not which had
step only by his own inclinations, always
been but also the set
religious, by example previously
by King T'ammaraja Lttt'ai of Suk'ot'ai. For a crowned
head to receive the tonsure of a
priest was a rare event,
and created some stir in the Buddhist world. Neigh-
sent to attend the ordination
bouring potentates envoys
The of an
ceremony. Maharaja Chiengmai despatched
Ambassador to P'itsanulok, accompanied by twelve
of were well received
priests great sanctity. They very
by King Trailok, and assisted at his ordination, which
took at Wat Chulamani at P'itsanulok.
place
This rapprochement was, however, only apparent.
King Trailok demanded the surrender of Sawank'alok.
This was refused, and on the completion of the Siamese
monarch's term in the which lasted for
priesthood, eight
months, both sides again prepared for war.
The Maharaja's uncle, Mtin Dong Nak'on, collected
an army on the frontier, with the intention of invading
Siam whenever a suitable arose.
opportunity King
Trailok, on the other hand, following the superstitious
customs of that determined to occult means
age, employ
for the of his
purpose weakening adversary.
In 1467 a Burmese priest was sent by the Siamese
King to Chiengmai. This man, by his apparent sanctity
and learning, managed to ingratiate himself with Maharaja
Tilok, and found occasion to urge him to build a new
palace, overlooking the city wall of Chiengmai. In
order to the it was to fell a certain
prepare site, necessary
sacred tree which had been
planted by King Mengrai.
The the caused this
Maharaja, encouraged by priest,
tree to be felled. A series of misfortunes then
frightful
befell him. One of his wives accused his eldest son,
Prince Bun of rebellious The
Riiang, designs. young