A relation of the voyage to Siam performed by six Jesuits, sent by the French King, to the Indies and China, in the year, 1685 : with their astrological observations, and their remarks of natural philosophy, geography, hydrography, and history / published in the original, by the express orders of His Most Christian Majesty ; and now made English, and illustrated with sculptures.

A VOYAGE TO SIAM. The Fifth BOOK. (Book 5)

Of our Return from Siam. (Book 5)

WHen it was resolved upon, that I should return to France, the Lord Constance redoubled the Testimonies of Friendship, wherewith he had till then honour'd me, telling me that he wished he might frequently discourse me in private. Next day I went to see him, accord∣ing as he had enjoyned me at parting. I found him taken up in preparing Presents for those who had had the greatest hand in the Favour which the King had done us of sending us to China; and making us draw near to see them, these are

but very mean Presents, said he, for so great Lords. But you shall tell them, Father, that I came to know of it but very late, and after I had given away all the finest and most curious things I had. For besides the Presents which he sent to France, and that he had given to the French who were at Siam, he had sent some very considerable to Portugal, by the three Ambassadors whom the King of Siam had dispatched to Lisbone, some∣time before we arrived there. Nor is it, said he, a Present that I would have them take as from me, but as from one of your Brothers, to thank them for the Goodness they have for you, and the Protection they honour you with. We could make no answer to such obliging Expressions, but by our most humble Thanks; but he would not hear us, interrupting and adjuring us not to speak to him in that Strain, that being our Bro∣ther, he was perwaded he did no more but his Duty.

The same day that we had Audience, the King was to treat the Ambassador with a Fight of E∣lephants, and his Majesty had already command∣ed six to be made ready for us, that we might follow him to the Field of Battle, which was out of Town. The Lord Constance gave us a Man∣darin to be our Guide, and as we came out of the Palace we found six Elephants with their gilt Chairs, and very neat Cushions. Every one got up on the Back of his own in this manner. The Pastor (for so they call the Man that sits on the Elephants Neck to govern him) made the Ele∣phant kneel, who afterward lay half down on one side, so that one could put his Foot upon one of his Fore-legs, which he thrust out, and then up∣on

his Belly; after that, the Beast rising a little up again, gave one time to sit down conveniently in the Chair which he carried on his Back; one may also make use of a Ladder, as some do, to get upon the Elephants Back. It is for the Convenience of Strangers, who are not accustom∣ed to Elephants, that they put Chairs on their Backs. The Natives of the Country, whatsoe∣ver their Quality be, unless it be the King, ride on the Neck and conduct them themselves, ex∣cept when they go to War, for then, besides two Pastors, who get up one upon the Neck, and the other on the Rump, the Mandarin armed with a Lance, or a kind of Javelin, sets on the Ele∣phants Back, as I my self have seen it at a Hunt∣ing of Elephants, whether the Mandarins go armed as to a Battle. I observed also that the King, who was in a kind of Throne, started up upon his Legs when the wild Elephants would have forced their way through on his side, and got upon the Neck of his to stop them.

We followed the King then into a large Plain, about an hundred Paces from the Town. The King, mounted on an Elephant, had my Lord Ambassador on his Right-hand at fifteen or twen∣ty steps distance, the Lord Constance on his Left-hand, and all round a great many Mandarins prostrate at the Feet of his Elephant out of re∣spect. We presently heard some Trumpets which make a very harsh and inarticulate Sound; then the two Elephants which were to fight roared and made a most horrid Noise: They were tied by the Hind-feet with great Ropes; held by several Men, that they might be drawn off, in case the Shock proved too hard. They

let them approach in such a manner, that their Teeth crossed, and yet they could not hurt one another. They say that sometimes they'l en∣counter so fiercely, that breaking one anothers Teeth by their Efforts, the Splinters of them will fly about: These fought but with little Vi∣olence, they encountered but four or five times, and then were parted, and the Engagement was so short, that it was thought the King had only appointed it that he might have occasion in a more agreeable manner, to make a Present to Monsieur de Vaudricourt, who had brought the two Siamese Mandarins, and was to carry the Ambas∣sadors to France; for at the end of the Show, his Majesty drew near him, and with his own Hand, gave him a Shable with a Handle of beaten Gold, and a Tortoise-shell Scabbard, adorned with five Plates of Gold, with a great Filigrane gold Chain also, to serve for a Shoulder-belt, and a Vest of Cloth of Gold, with Gold Buttons: He told him that he put that Cimeter into his Hands, that he might securely conduct his Ambassadors, and therewith serve the King his Master against his Enemies. The King of Siam never gives that kind of Shable but to his Generals of Armies, when they are setting out upon a Warlike Ex∣pedition, He made such another Present to Mon∣sieur de Joyeux Captain of the Frigat, but not so Magnificent.

Some days after, the Lord Constance sent rich Presents to the Ambassador, the Abbot de Choisi, Monsieur de Vaudricourt, Monsieur de Joyeux, and to every one of the Gentlemen of the Ambassador's Retinue. These were Japan Plate, wrought A∣gats, a great many fine China-dishes of all Sizes,

China-Night Gowns, right Bezoar-Stones, the Ginseng Root that is worth eight times its weight in Silver, the odoriferous Wood of Aquila, so much esteemed in the Indies, and excellent Tea in great quantity. These Presents seemed to be of so considerable a Value, that for some time it was thought by many that they had been sent by the King.

We spent most of the days we stayed at Lou∣vo in Shows. The Fight we just now mention∣ed, was followed by another of Elephants against a Tygre; we were obliged to be there as well as the rest, and mounted on Elephants. We made use of no other Beast to ride on, that we might not scandalize the Talapoins, who say that it is pro∣hibited to them to ride on Horse-back.

About a quarter of a League from the Town, they had raised a high Palissado of Bambous, a∣bout an hundred Paces square. Three Elephants appointed to fight the Tyger, were got into the middle of the Lists. They had a kind of large Breast-plate, which covered their Head and part of their Trunk. So soon as we were come, out of a Lodge that was in a low place, they brought a Tyger, of a Shape and Colour which seemed strange to the French that were Spectators. For besides that, he was much taller, grosser, and more lumpish than those that we had seen in France; his Skin was not spotted in that Fashion, but in∣stead of Spots scattered here and there without order, it had long broad Streaks that encompassed it like Rings. These Streaks beginning at the Back joyned under the Belly, and continuing to the End of the Tail, made thereupon white and black Rings, which were set very thick, and co∣vered

it all over. The Head and Limbs of the Beast had nothing extraordinary, save that they were longer and bigger than those of common Tygers, though this was but a young Tyger; and not yet come to his full Growth, for the Lord Constance told us that there were some in the Kingdom three times bigger than that, and that being a hunting one day with the King, he saw one at a very near distance that was as big as a Mule. They have little ones in that Country al∣so, like those they bring from Africa to Europe, and they shew'd us one of them at Louvo the same Day.

They did not let slip the Tyger that was to fight at first, but held him tied by two Ropes, so that not having liberty to shoot himself out, the first Elephant that came near him, gave him two or three Blows with his Trunk on the Back. This Shock was so rude that it laid the Tyger for some time all along upon the Ground, and without motion, as if he had been dead. Nevertheless, so soon as he was untied, though the first bout had quelled much of his Fury, he made a terrible Cry, and would have thrown himself upon the Ele∣phants Trunk, but the Elephant turning it cun∣ningly inwards, secured it by his Teeth, which he presently presented to the Tyger, and there∣with struck him so pat, that he tossed him up to a great height, in the Air. This so stun'd the Beast, that he durst no more approach the Ele∣phant, but taking several turns about the Yard, he sometimes sprung at those whom he saw in the Galleries. Then three Elephants were let loose against him, who mauled him so by turns, that once more he counterfeited to be dead, and after∣ward

made all the shifts he could to avoid them. They would certainly have killed him, had not the Ambassador begg'd his Pardon of the Lord Constance, who put an end to the Combat.

Next Day towards the Evening, we went to the Palace with my Lord Ambassador; there we saw an Illumination, which is yearly made at the beginning of the Year: It consisted of eighteen hundred or two thousand Lights, some whereof were placed in little Windows purposely made in the Walls that environ the Palace, and the rest in Lanthors, in a pretty singular Order. Above all we admired some certain large China-Lanthorns like to Globes, which are made of one single piece of transparent Horn as clear as Glass, and some others of a kind of China-glass made of Rice. These Illuminations were accompanied with the Noise of Drums, Fifes and Trumpets. All the while that the King was present at this Show, the Princess gave the like to the Court Ladies in another part of the Palace.

When the King was gone, we had time to consider all things at a near distance. The Lord Constance show'd us the Elephant Prince, who is of an extraordinary Height and Beauty; we were told that they called him by that Name, because he came into the World the same day that the present King was born. He made us also observe near to the Kings Apartment, a Pavilion where they keep the Elephant that is upon Guard, it is one of those that are in the Palace, and are re∣lieved by turns, being always kept in a readiness, if the King should chance to want them by Day or by Night. Having often mentioned Ele∣phants, and the different manner, they are har∣nassed

according to the Qualities of those that mount them, it hath been thought fit to give the Reader the following Cuts of the several sorts of them. These Illuminations lasted several days; all the while we were in the Palace to observe them, a great many Mandarins of the first and second Order, lay prostrate upon the Ground be∣fore the King in two different Halls, making to him the Zombaye, which is the most reverential Mark of Adoration.

Much about the same time the Moors made great Illuminations for eight days together, in Honour of their Prophet Mahomet and his Son, whose Funerals they celebrated. They began to solemnize the Festival the Evening before about four of the Clock at Night, by a kind of Proces∣sion, wherein there were above two thousand Souls. There they carried the Figure of the Tombs of those two Impostors, with many Sym∣bols of a pretty neat Representation, amongst o∣thers, certain great Cages covered with painted Cloth, and carried by Men that marched and continually turned in cadence to the Sound of Drums and Timbrels. The quick and regular Motion of these huge Machines which we saw at a distance, without perceiving those that carried them, occasioned an agreeable Surprise.

At the Head of this great Confluence of Peo∣ple, some Grooms led three or four Horses in rich Trappings, and a great many People carry∣ing several Lanthorns at the end of long Poles, lighted all the Procession and sung in divers Quires after a very odd manner. With the same Zeal they continued this Festival for several Nights together till five of the Clock in the Morn∣ing.

It is hardly to be conceived how these Porters of Machines,* 1.1 that uncessantly turned, could per∣form that Exercise for fifteen or sixteen Hours to∣gether, nor how the Singers that raised their Voi∣ces as high as was possible for them, could sing so long. The rest of the Procession looked mo∣dest enough, some marched before the Singers, who surrounded Coffins carried upon eight Mens Shoulders, and the rest were mingled in the Croud with them. There were a great many Siamese Men and Women, Young and Old there, who have embraced the Mahometan Religion. For since the Moors have got footing in the Kingdom, they have drawn over a great many People to their Religion, which is an Argument that they are not so addicted to their Superstitions, but that they can forsake them, when our Missiona∣ries have had Patience and Zeal enough to in∣struct them in our Mysteries. It is true, that Nation is a great Lover of Shows and splendid Ceremonies, and by that means it is that the Moors, who celebrate all their Festivals with a great deal of Magnificence, have perverted many of them to the Sect of Mahomet.

These Shows made us heartily condole the Mis∣fortune of those poor Infidels, and we often dis∣coursed of the Fruit that so many able Men as are in Europe, and particularly in France, might reap amongst them, if they had as much Zeal as Learning.

The King who took pleasure to give the Am∣bassador new Diversions dayly, would have him to see the manner of taking and taming, Ele∣phants. This being a thing unknown in Europe and we having been Witnesses of it, the Render,

I hope, will be glad to find here an example and exact description of the same.

* 1.2About a quarter of a League from Louvo there is a kind of an Amphitheater, of a large and long square Figure, encompassed with high Walls and Terrasses, where the Spectators are placed. Along these Walls within runs a Palisadoe of thick Pillars fastened in the Ground at a foot di∣stance one from another, behind which the Hunts∣men retreat when they are pursued by the fret∣ted Elephants. There is a very large opening made towards the Countrey, and opposite to it, on the side of the Town one less, which leads into a narrow Alley through which an Elephant can hardly pass, and that Alley ends in a large manage, where they compleatly tame him at length.

When the day appointed for this Hunting is come. Huntsmen go into the Woods, mounted on She-Elephants which are trained to the Game; and cover themselves with leaves of Trees that they may not be seen by the wild Elephants. When they are got pretty forward in the Forest, where they think some Elephant may be, they make the Female give some neys that are proper to attract the Males, who presetnly answer by dreadful roarings. Then the Huntsmen perceiving them at a vast distance return back again, and gently lead the Females towards the Amphithea∣ter we mentioned: the wild Elephants never fail to follow them; he whom we saw tamed entred with them, and so soon as he was there the Barr was shut; the females kept on their way cross the Amphitheater, and at one anothers tails past along the little Ally that was at the other end: The

wild Elephant which had followed them to that place, stopping at the entry of the narrow pass, all manner of ways were used to make engage∣ment, they made the females who were beyond the Alley, cry; some Siamese provoked him by clapping their hands and crying pat, pat, others pricked him with long sharp p••inted p••les, and when they were pursued by him, 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ix•• the Pillars and hid themselves 〈◊〉〈◊〉 th•• Pal••adoes which the Elephant could 〈…〉〈…〉 ••gh: at length having pursued 〈…〉〈…〉 ••en he made at one single Man 〈…〉〈…〉 of Fury. The Man ru•• 〈…〉〈…〉 Ele∣phant after him; But 〈…〉〈…〉 was taken, for the Man having 〈…〉〈…〉 let fall purposely too P•• 〈…〉〈…〉 other behind the Elephant, 〈…〉〈…〉 of his power to go forwards 〈…〉〈…〉 himself, he strugled prodigi•• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••erri∣ble cries. They endeavoured 〈…〉〈…〉 ••im b•• throwing buckets full of wa•• 〈…〉〈…〉 Body, rubbing him with leaves, p•• 〈…〉〈…〉 upon h••s Ears, and they brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••phants both Males and Females to hi•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 caressed him with their Truncks. In 〈…〉〈…〉 time they ••∣stened Ropes under his b•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his hind-seen, that so they might pull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out from thence, and they persisted in thr•• water upon his Trunk and Body to c••. At length they brought to him one of ••se tame Elephants that are accustomed to in••ruct the new-comers. An Officer was mounted upon him who made him go forwards and backwards, to shew the wild Elephant that there was no danger, and that he might come out. So at length they opened

the gate to him and he followed the other to the end of the Alley. So soon as he was there they fastned an Elephant to each side of him, another went before and pulled him by a rope into the way that they would have him take, whilst a fourth made him go forwards by thumping him with his head behind, until he came to a kind of manage where they tyed him to a great Pillar made for that purpose, which turns like the Cap∣stern of a Ship. They left him there till next day that he might spend his anger; but whilst he tormented himself about that Pillar, a Bramen (that is to say one of the Indian Priests who are numerous in Siam) cloathed in white and mount∣ed on another Elephant drew nigh, and turning gently about this which was tied, sprinkled him with a certain water consecrated after their man∣ner, which he carried in a Vessel of Gold. They believe that that Ceremony makes the Elephant loose his natural fierceness, and fits him for to serve the King. The day following he begins to go with the rest, and in a fortnights time is fully tamed.

Amidst all those diversions the Ambassador was wholly taken up about the Subject of his Embassie, which was the Conversion of the King; but per∣ceiving that he had no solid nor positive answer as to that, he resolved to draw up a short me∣moir, which he intended should be presented to the King by the Lord Constance. He spoke of it to that Minister, who in a long conference they had together disswaded him from pressing the King upon that point; but the Ambassador very prudently still persisted in his opinion, and prayed the Lord Constance to present that writing to his

Majesty, wherein he besought him to give him a positive answer that might be acceptable to the King his Master. The Lord Constance having received the Memoir from the Ambassador, went to the Palace in the Evening and there prostra∣ting himself at the Kings feet, made him a dis∣course full of that Asiatic Eloquence that was so much esteemed in ancient Greece. Here you have a true translation of the very words he used.

SIR,

THE Ambassador of France hath put into my hands a Memoir which contains certain propo∣sitions whereof he is to give an account to the King his Master; but before I read it to your Majesty,* 2.1 suffer me, Sir, if you please, to lay before you the principal motive that engaged the most Christian King to send you so solemn an Embassie. That so wise a Prince, your good Friend, Sir, knowing the greatness of your Soul and the generosity of your Majesties Royal heart by the Ambassadors and Magnificent Presents which you de∣signed for him, without other interest than that of de∣si••ng the Royal Ʋnity of a Prince so Glorious, and so Renowned over the World: and then perceiving that your Majesties Ministers had sent to the Ministers of his Kingdom two Mandarins with considerable Presents to congratulate the birth of the Grand-son of their great King, worthy of a perpetual P••sterity, which ma•• eter∣nally represent to France the Image of his admirable Virtues, and secure the happiness of his People. That great Monarch, Sir, being surprised by so disinterested a procedure resolved to answer th••se obliging cares, and to do so, devised a means worthy of himself and suitable to the dignity of your Majesty; for to present you with Riches; it is in your Kingdom, Sir, that Strangers

come in search of Wealth, To offer you his Forces? He knew very well that your Majesty is dreaded by all your Neighbours, and in a condition to punish them if they should offer to break the Peace which by their prayers they have obtained from you. Could he have thought of bestowing Lands and Provinces upon the Sovereign of so many Kings, and the Master of so great a number of Kingdoms, as make almost the fourth part of Asia; Neither could it enter into his thoughts to send hither his Subjects only upon the account of Trade, because that would be a common Interest to his People and your Majesties Subjects. So that it would have been hard for him to have hit upon the right course, had he not reflected that he might offer to your Majesty somewhat infinitely more considerable, and which, was congruous to the Dignity of two so great Kings. Having considered what it was that had raised him to that high pitch of Glory where at present he is seated, what had made him take so many Towns, subdue so many Provinces, and gain so many Victories, what to this present had made the happiness of his people, and what had brought him from the extremities of the Earth so many Ambassadors of Kings and Princes who Court his Friendship, what, in fine, had obliged your Majesty to prevent this incomparable Prince by so splen∣did an Embassie which you sent to him; Having, I say, attentively considered all these great things, that King so wise and prespicatious, found that the God whom he adores was the s••le Author of them, that his Divine Providence had so disposed them for him, and that he owed them to the intercession of the holy Mother of the Saviour of the World, under whose Protection he hath consecrated his Person and Kingdom to the true God. That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the extream desire he hath to communi∣cate to your Majesty all th••se great advantages, hath

made him resolve to propose to you, Sir, the same means that have procured him so much Glory and hap∣piness, and which are no other than the Knowledge and Worship of the true God, which is only to be found in the Christian Religion. He offers your Majesty then, by his Ambassador adjuring you and your whole King∣dom to embrace and follow it.

That Prince, Sir, is more admirable still by his Wisdom, Judgment, and Prudence, than by his Con∣quests and Victories. Your Majesty knows his genero∣sity and Royal Friendship, you cannot make a better choice than to follow the wise Counsels of so great a King your good friend. For my part, Sir, I never begg'd any thing of the great God for your Majesty, but that Grace, and I would be ready to lay down a thousand lives that I might obtain it of the Divine Bounty. May it please your Majesty to consider that by that acti∣on, you will Crown all the Great and Illustrious exploits of your Reign, you will eternize your Memory, and procure to your self immortal Honour and Glory in the next World.

Ah, Sir, I adjure your Majesty not to send back the Embassador of so great a King with discontent, he begs that in the name of the King his Master, for establish∣ing and rendring your Alliances and Royal Amities in∣violable; at least if your Majesty hath entertained any good thought, or if you find the least inclination to em∣brace that Party, that you would make it known. It is the most acceptable news that he can carry to the King his Master. Now if your Majesty hath resolved not to condescend to what I have had the honour to represent to you, or that you cannot give a favou∣rable answer to the Ambassador, I beg of you to excuse me from carrying your Royal answer, which cannot but be displeasing to the Great God whom I adore. You

ought not to think it strange that I speak to you in this manner; whosoever is not faithful to his God, cannot be so to his Prince, and your Majesty ought not to do me the honour to suffer me in your Service, if I enter∣tained other Sentiments.

* 2.2The King heard the Discourse of the Lord Constance without interrupting him, and having a little pondered with himself, as one whose mind was taken up with great thoughts, he answered him upon the spot in these terms.

FEAR not that I will force your Conscience. But who hath made the King of France my good Friend believe that I entertained any such Sentiments? Ah, Sir, who can doubt, replied the Lord Con∣stance, but that your Majesty has those great thoughts, when they consider the Protection you give to Missionaries, the Churches you have cau∣sed to be built, the Charity you give to the Fa∣thers of China. It is upon that, Sir, that the King of France grounds his perswasion that your Majesty had an inclination towards Christianity. But when you told the Ambassador, (added the King) the reasons that make me continue in the Religion of my Ancestors, what answer had you from him? The Ambassador of France, replied the Lord Constance, found your Reasons to be very weighty, but see∣ing the propositions he made you in the name of the King his Master was sincere and disinterested, and that that great Monarch had no other prospect but your Majesties good, he did not think that any of the reasons which I told him ought to hin∣der him from obeying his Masters Commands, especially when he understood that the Ambassa∣dor

of Persia was arrived in the Kingdom of Siam, and that he brought your Majesty the Alco∣ran to the end you might follow it. In that view the Ambassador of France thought himself obliged to offer your Majesty the Christian Religion, and to adjure you to embrace it. Is it true, answered the King, that the Ambassador of Persia brings me the Alcoran? It is so reported (reply'd the Lord Constance.) To which the King forthwith made answer. I wish with all my heart the Ambassador of France were here to see what Reception the Ambassa∣dor of Persia should have from me. Certainly if I had no Religion at all I would never choose the Maho∣metan.

But to answer the Ambassador of France, continu∣ed the King, you shall tell him from me, I think my self extreamly obliged to the King of France his Master, finding in his Memoirs the marks of his most Christian Majesties Royal Friendship, and since the honour that that great Prince hath done me is already made publick all over the East, I cannot sufficiently ac∣knowledge his Civility; but that I am extreamly vexed that the King of France my good Friend should propose so difficult a thing unto me, wherewith I am not in the least acquainted: that I refer my self to the Wisdom of the most Christian King, that he himself may judge of the importance and difficulty which occur in so nice a matter as the change of a Religion received and fol∣lowed throughout my whole Kingdom without interrup∣tion during the pace of two thousand two hundred twenty nine years.

After all,* 2.3 it is strange to me that the King of France my good Friend should so much concern himself in an Affair that relates to God, wherein it would seem God does not at all interest himself, but leaves it wholly

to our Discretion. For would not the true God that made Heaven and Earth, and all things that are therein, and hath given them so different natures and inclina∣tions, when he gave to Men like Bodies and Souls, if he had pleased have also inspired into them the same senti∣ments for the Religion they ought to follow, and for the Worship that was most acceptable to him, and make all Nations live and die in the same Laws? That Order amongst Men and that Ʋnity in Religion depending absolutely on Divine Providence, who could as easily introduce it into the World, as the diversity of Sects that in all times have been established in it; ought not one to think that the true God takes as great pleasure to be honoured by different Worships and Cere∣monies, as to be Glorified by a prodigious number of Creatures that Praise him every one in their own way? Would that Beauty and Variety which we admire in the order of Nature, be less admirable in the supernatural Order, or less beseeming the Wisdom of God? How∣ever it be, continued his Majesty, since we know that God is the absolute Master of the World, and that we are perswaded that nothing comes to pass contrary to his will, I wholly resign my Person and Dominions into the Arms of the Divine Mercy and Providence, and with all my heart obtest his eternal Wisdom to di∣spose thereof according to his good will and pleasure.

So that I most expresly command you to tell that Ambassador that I shall omit nothing that lies in my power, to cherish the Royal friendship of the most Chri∣stian King, and instead of complying with the means that he hath proposed to me, I shall take such care du∣ring the time that God grants me life, that hereafter my Successors and Subjects, shall on all occasions testifie as well as I, the grateful acknowledgment and high esteem which they ought to have for the Royal Person

of his most Christian Majesty, and for all his Successors.

This was the answer of the King of Siam in the same terms that he delivered it to his Mini∣ster, and as he gave it in writing to my Lord Ambassador. The wit of that Prince sufficiently appears by that reasoning who without any know∣ledge of the Sciences of Europe, hath alledged with so much force and perspicuity the most plau∣sible reasons of the Pagan Philosophy against the only true Religion. They who know the up∣rightness of that Prince cannot doubt but that he sincerely said what he thought, and what seemed to him most rational.

The King having said so, was silent for some time, and then eyeing the Lord Constance:* 2.4 What do you think (added he) the Ambassador will an∣swer to these Reasons which I command you to give him in writing? I shall not fail Sir, answered the Lord Constance to obey your Majesties Orders; but I cannot tell what the Ambassador of France will answer to what you have now said to me, which seems to be of very great weight and con∣sequence. Sure I am, he must needs be surpri∣sed at the high wisdom and wonderful perspicuity that he'll perceive thereby in your Majesty.

However I fancy he may answer, that it is true all the Beings which God hath Created Glorifie him every one after its way; but that there is this difference betwixt Man and Beasts, that when God Created these, be gave them different properties and particular instincts, to know what is good for them and pur∣sue it without any reflection, to discern their evil, and avoid it without any ratiocination. So the Stag flies from the Lion, and Tyger the first time

he sees them, the Chickens new hatched dread the Kite and flie under the wings of the Hen, without any other instruction but what they have received from Nature. But in the Creation of Man God hath endowed him with a Mind and Reason to distinguish the Good from the Evil, and Divine Providence hath thought it fit that in pursuing and loving the good which is proper for him, and avoiding the evil that is contrary to him, with reference to his ultimate end which is to know and love God, Man should from the Divine Bounty merit an eternal Reward.

The truth is, it is as easie for Man to make use of his hands, eyes, and feet, in the commission of evil as in doing of good, if his prudence enlightned by the Wisdom of God directed him not to pursue the ways of real Grandeur, which are not to be found but in the Christian Religion, wherein Man finds the means of serving God as best pleases his Divine Goodness. But all Men follow not so holy and so rational notices. It is just so as with your Majesties Officers, who are not all equally addicted to your Interests, as you but too well know, tho all of them call themselves your Subjects, and account it an honour to be employed ••in your Service. So all Men serve God, it is true; but in a very different manner. Some like Beasts follow their Passions and irregu∣lar appetites and live in the Religion they have been brought up in, without examining it. But others perceiving so great a difference betwixt themselves and Beasts raise themselves above their senses, and by means of their Reason, which God fails not to enlighten endeavour to know their Creator, and the true Worship which he

would have men render unto him, without any interest but that of pleasing him, and to this sincere search of the truth, God Almighty hath annexed Mans Salvation. Hence it is that neg∣ligence in not being instructed, and weakness in not following that we judge the best, will ren∣der us guilty in the sight of God who is the So∣vereign Judge of all Flesh.

This answer from a Man of no Studies, who from ten years of age had been applied to Trade and Commerce, wrought a great surprize in me, when he did me the honour to acquaint me with it. I confessed to him, without any fear of flattery, that a Divine consummated in the Study of Religion, would have been hard put to it to have answered better. The King was smitten with the discourse of the Lord Constance, and if any knowing Man, who is acceptable to him, hath the happiness to insinuate into his fa∣vour, and procure his esteem, it is not to be dispaired but that he may be brought to know and embrace the Truth: and if once he come to know it, seeing he is the absolute Master of his People, who adore him, all the Nations who are under his Dominion, will humbly follow his ex∣ample.

The King of Siam who Reigns at present is about fifty five years of Age.* 2.5 He is without con∣tradiction, the greatest Prince that ever governed that State. He is somewhat under the middle Stature, but streight and well shaped. He hath an engaging Air, a sweet and obliging carriage, especially to Strangers. And amongst them par∣ticularly to the French. He is active and brisk, an enemy of idleness and laziness which seems to be

so delightful to the Princes of the East, and which they look upon as the greatest Prerogative of their Crown. This Prince, on the contrary, is always either in the Woods a hunting of Elephants, or in his Palace minding the Affairs of his Kingdom. He is no lover of War, because it ruins his Peo∣ple whom he tenderly loves; but when his Sub∣jects revolt, or that neigbouring Princes offer him the least affront, or transgress the bounds of the respect that's due to him; there is no King in the East that takes a more conspicuous revenge, nor appears more passionate for glory.

Some great men of his Kingdom having rebel∣led, and having been openly supported by the Forces of three Kings, whose Territories environ the Kingdom of Siam. He attacked those Princes so briskly, that they were obliged to abandon the Rebels to his wrath. He would know every thing, and having a pregnant and piercing Wit, he easily is Master of what he has a mind to learn. He is magnificent, generous, and as true a friend as can be imagined. These are the great quali∣ties which acquire him the difference of his Neigh∣bours, the fear of his Enemies, the esteem and respect of his Subjects that's nothing short of ado∣ration. He hath never been given to those vices which are so common to the Princes of the East, nay he hath severely punished the most con∣siderable Mandarins, and principal Officers of the Crown, for being too much addicted to their pleasures: So that the most invincible obstacle to the Conversion of Idolatrous Princes, is not to be found in him, I mean, the immoderate love of Women.

By the sharpness of his Wit, he hath discovered the erroneousness of the Religion of his Ancestors. And he does not believe an annihilated God, ac∣cording to the Popular opinion, or as some of their Doctors say, a God, who weary of govern∣ing the Heavens, plunges himself to repose, and for ever buries himself in the forgetfulness of what passes in the world, nor a thousand other Superstitions preached by the Talapoins, who are the Preachers and Priests of the Kingdom. On the contrary, he believes that God is Eternal, that his Providence continually governs the World and disposes of all things. To the same immortal God he often makes his Prayers, and implores his assi∣stance with most profound Reverence at least twice a Day, for two hours time, in the Morning after he is up, and at Night before he goes to rest. The Pope having sent him two Pictures, one of our Saviour, and the other of the Blessed Virgin, he hath a singular veneration for them, and as a sign thereof, hath placed them in a very high place of his Chamber far above him; and never speaks of them but with honour and respect.

The Embassy which the King sent to him, if it hath not determined him to embrace Christianity, hath at least, made him reflect and consider. As he has an extraordinary esteem for the wisdom of the most Christian King, so when the Lord Constance explained to him the sole reason that moved that great Monarch to send the Ambassador to him, he seemed affected therewith, and it is known that he hath many times reflected thereupon since. These are considerations that should excite those who may read these momoires, to pray to God for the Conversion of that Prince, which would be attended

with the Conversion of an innumerable multitude of People, and which without doubt would gain to our holy Law the neighbouring Princes, who admire the conduct and parts of the King of Siam.

There lye great obligations upon us to that Monarch, for all the marks of esteem and good will wherewith he was pleaased to honour us, and we are glad we have the occasion of publish∣ing the same; from the time that the Lord Con∣stance made him sensible of our ways and the pro∣spects that put us upon acting, that Prince favoured us upon all occasions, notwithstanding the bad im∣pressions that some endeavoured to give him of Je∣suits. The Lord Constance omitted not to set off to him to the best advantage the extraordinary good∣ness that the King of France hath for our company, and that's the thing that contributed most to make us merit his favours. It is an Example of great influence upon the mind of the King of Siam; and so indeed, he hath by obliging cares intimated to us that he will imitate it, and hath often as∣sured us of his Royal protection, and that we should never fail of a safe refuge in his King∣dom.

* 2.6So soon as we arrived at Louvo we begun to make observations, and especially such as might be need∣ful to us for observing exactly the Ecclipse of the Moon, which was to happen on the Eleventh of December. We could not till then make use of our Instruments for these operations; because all the while we were at Siam, the City and Country about were so overflown, that we had no place to fix them upon. Nay and the house too where we lodged being only of Wood, the least motion

made it so shake, that our Pendulums and Qua∣drants were thereby wholy disordered.

December the sixth and seventh we observed by the Astronomical Ring of Mr. Butterfield,* 2.7 that the va∣riation of the Needle was two degrees twenty Minu∣tes towards the West. This observation was con∣stantly alike during those two days.

The ninth of the same Month by the heights taken of the same border of the Sun, Morning and Evening the true hour of Noon by the Pendulum with Seconds, was 12 h. 5. 3.

The variation of the Needle by the Parallatick Engine of the Sieur Chapotot was observed.

• One time 16. min. only
• Another 31. min.
• Another 35. min.
• Another 38. min.

Towards the West.

That variation was found by taking several times Morning and Evening the height of the Sun, and every time observing the Azimuth, the Needle still continuing upon the Line of the South and North.

In the last Audience that his Majesty gave the Ambassador,* 2.8 he told him that he would take it well that we made the observation of the first Ec∣clipse in his presence. Some days after he com∣manded the Lord Constance to acquaint us with the honour he intended to put upon us. For that ef∣fect they pitched upon a Royal house called Thlee-Poussonne, a short League from Louvo Eastwards, not far from the Forrest where the King was a hunt∣ing of Elephants. The Lord Constance carried us to view the place two days before the Ecclipse,

that's to say the ninth of December. A more con∣venient place could not have been chosen, we saw the Heavens on all hands, and had room enough to place our Instruments. Having put all things in order we came back to Louvo.

Next day December the tenth, by the Elevations of the same border of the Sun, taken in the Morn∣ing betwixt nine and ten a Clock, and in the E∣vening betwixt two and three, the true hour of Noon by the same Pendulum with Seconds was 12. h. 2. 31.

The variation of the Needle by the Parallatick Engine.

• One time 28 min.
• Another 33 min.
• Another 21 min.

Towards the West.

In the sequel we shall examine whether or no the Needle of the Astronomical Ring decline too much towards the West, as it is very probable; for if so, then something is to be deducted from the variation of the Cape of good Hope, which we found to be Eleven degrees and a half towards the West, and the Pilots with their Compasses only nine degrees.

* 2.9The same day the King invited my Lord Am∣bassador, to come and see the Illuminations that were made for the hunting of Elephants. It was his Majesties pleasure that we also should be there; and did us the honour about four in the Afternoon to send us six Elephants with the Barcalon: Lieute∣nant to be our guide. We sent to Thlee-poussonne our Telescope and a spiral Pendulum that went very right and was set by the Sun. For we were

to observe the Ecclipse there according to the Orders. The Kings method of the hunting was in the manner that I am now about to relate.

About fourty six or fourty seven thousand men had surrounded and made an inclosure in the Woods and upon the Mountains of a long square,* 2.10 whereof the two great sides might very well be ten Leagues a piece, and the other two, each three Leagues. All that vast extent was bordred by two rows of Fires, which ranged all round upon two Lines at four or five steps distance one from another. These Fires are kept burning all night long with the wood of the Forest, and stand seven or eight foot high in the Air, being supported by little square Plat-forms raised upon four Stakes, which was the cause that they would be all seen at once and very far off too. It seem••d to me in the dark the finest sight and loveliest illu∣mination that ever I saw. Great Lanthorns placed at convenient distances made the dist••nction of quar∣ters, which were commanded by different heads, with a certain number of Elephants of War and Hunts-men armed like Souldiers. Ever now and then they fired some small Field Pieces, that by that noise and the Fires they might frighten the Ele∣phants, that should attempt to force their pas∣sage through as they had done some days before, because that circumspection had not been used. There was a very steep mountain within the Pre∣cincts of the Hunting; but that being looked up∣on to be inaccessible to th••se creatures, they had the time before neglected to secure it by Fires, Guards and Artillary: However ten or twelve of them escaped that way, and for that purpose made use of a very surprising expedient; fastening them∣selves

by their Trunks to one of the Trees that were upon the side of that very steep Mountain, they made a Skip to the Root of the next, and in the same manner clambered from Tree to Tree with incredible efforts, until they got to the top of the Mountain, from whence they saved themselves in the Woods. What had hapned at that time, was the cause that nothing was neglected at this bout, that so none might any more escape.

* 2.11The King upon his return from hunting, found the French drawn up in a Line at the entry into the Forest, and mounted on Elephants. He eye∣ed them very much, and took pleasure to see men of so good meen. He had just given, Audi∣ence to the Ambassador, which had been pretty long. About the end of it, he sent for the Che∣valier de Fourbin, an old Officer, who had gained reputation on many occasions. The Lord Con∣stance had prayed the Ambassador to leave him at Siam with the King his Master. Nay his Maje∣sty himself thought fit to demand him of the Am∣bassador, and made him a Present of a very love∣ly Shable, as a Mark that he received him into his Service. He added to the Present besides, a Vest of a flowered Stuff, with Gold Buttons. In the mean time it was late, and the King was gone home; however we alighted in a pleasant place, where a splendid Collation of all sorts of Sweet-Meats and Fruit was prepared for us. My Lord Ambassador drank the King of Siam's Health in a large Cup of beaten Gold which he had pre∣sented to him. The Lid and Salver of it were of the same Metal. This place was presently en∣compassed with Elephants of War and Fires, to

secure us from Tigers and other wild Beasts, that were enclosed within the Precincts. Afterward the Ambassador took his way back to Louvo, and the Lord Constance conducting us streight to the Castle of Thlee-possonne, where the King was al∣ready come to be present at the Observation of the Eclipse.

About Nine of the Clock we came to the side of the Canal, which leads to the Castle,* 2.12 and there we found one of the King's Balons, which had wait∣ed for us a long while. This Canal is very broad, and above a League in length. It was lighted on both sides with an infinite number of such Fires as were mentioned before, which all together in the obscurity of the Night rendred a very charm∣ing prospect. When we were got within half a quarter of a League of the Castle, our Water∣men, who till then had pulled hard and made much noise in rowing, began to row so easily, that we hardly heard the noise of their Oars. They told us, that we must either hold our peace, or speak very low. The truth is, when we landed, all was so quiet, though there were a great many Soldiers and Mandarins thereabouts, that we thought we were in some remote Solitude. The Reve∣rence they have for the King's Person, makes them observe that profound silence in all places where he is. We presently fitted several Teles∣copes upon some Props that had been raised to support them. It did not require much time to adjust our Instruments; so that we took Boat again an hour after, and went to spend part of the Night in the House of the Lord Constance, which is almost an hundred paces from the Pa∣lace.

When we were to step ashoar at the foot of the Wall which is on the other side of the Ca∣nal, there was danger of being pricked by a kind of Caltrops; for there were a great many iron Chains laid in length at half a foot distance from one another, and these take up the breadth of the ground betwixt the Canal and the Wall. They are armed with a double Row of thick Iron Spikes; they are every night, without fail, stretch∣ed round the Castle, and serve to hinder any approaching to it. At our coming ashoar, the Lord Constance gave us very timely notice to take heed to our selves, having observed that one of our Fathers was about to step on Land. He sent for the Officer of the Guard, and ordered him to take up those Caltrops, which hindred our coming ashoar. Having then got as near the Walls as we could, we walked in a little path two foot broad, which is left free, for making the Rounds in the Night time, and about Eleven a Clock at Night we arrived at the House of the Lord Constance.

* 2.13Having rested three or four hours there, we re-imbarked and went to the Gallery where the Observation was to be made. It was then near Three of the Clock in the Morning. So soon as we were come, we put all things in readiness: We had already shew'd his Majesty, by the Lord Constance's Mediation; a great Figure of an E∣clipse, wherein one might see the Moon entring by little and little under the Shadow, with the immersion of the Spots, and his Majesty seemed to be pleased with it. We prepared a very good Telescope for him five foot long, in the Win∣dow of a Room that looked into the Gallery

where we were. The Penumbra being pretty far advanced, notice was sent to the King, who im∣mediatly came to that Window. We were sit∣ting upon Persian Carpets, some at the Tele∣scopes, others at the Pendulum, and others were to write down the time of the Observation. We saluted his Majesty with a profound inclination of Body, and then began to observe,

After Midnight,	Hou.	Min.	Sec.
The Beginning of the Penumbra,	02	53	00
The Penumbra thicker,	03	02	00
The Penumbra very thick,	00	12	00
The doubtful Begin. of the Ecl.	00	15	08
The certain Beginning,	00	19	00
Riccioli,	00	19	45
The Beginning of Grimaldi,	00	21	34
The End of Grimaldi,	00	22	36
Kepler,	00	29	32
Gassendi,	00	32	36
Heraclides.	00	36	40
	Hou.	Min.	Sec:
The Beginning of Capricorn,	00	37	10
The Middle of Capricorn,	00	39	00
The Beginning of Plato,	03	48	25
The Middle of Plato,	00	49	05
The End of Plato,	00	49	24
Menelaus,	00	58	45
St. Denis,	00	59	49
Plinius,	04	02	11
Promontorium acutum,	00	07	40
The Beginning of Mare Chrysium,	00	14	30
The Middle of Mare Chrysium,	00	17	45
The End of Mare Chrysium,	00	19	18
The total Immersion.	00	22	45

* 2.14The King expressed a particular Satisfaction, seeing all the Spots of the Moon in the Telescope, and especially perceiving that the Type or Map that was made at the Observatory of Paris, agreed so well with it. He put several Questions to us during the Eclipse; as for instance, Why did the Moon appear revers'd in the Telescope? Why was the part of the Moon eclipsed, still to be seen? What a Clock was it at Paris? For what could Observations made by concert in remote Coun∣tries be useful? &c. Whilst we satisfied all his Questions, one of the chief Officers of his House brought us upon a large Silver Bason six Cassocks and as many Cloaks of flowred Sattin, where∣with the King presented us in a most obliging manner. He had a mind to look in a Telescope twelve foot long, which Father Fontenay made use of; and we presently carried it to him. He suffered us to rise and stand in his Presence, and would look in the Telescope after us; for we must needs set it to its Point when we pre∣sented it to him. They who know what Reve∣rence and Respect the Kings of Siam expect from those who are in their Presence, have spo∣ken of that Favour to us, as of a very rare thing.

His Majesty would then know which of the Fathers was to return to France; and being told that it was I, he told me very obligingly, that see∣ing he was sending Ambassadors to France, who were not well acquainted with the Customs and Manners of Europe, he trusted much to the good Counsels that I should give them, and especially the good Offices that I would render them by means of our Friends; that he had ordered them

to demand of the King of France twelve Mathe∣maticians of our Society, and for that end to ad∣dress themselves to Father de la Chaize, that he might second their Demand; in short, that he made no doubt but that I would also in particular do what lay in my power in managing of that Af∣fair. At the same time the Lord High Cham∣berlain, in his Majesty's Presence presented me with two lovely Crucifixes in a large Gold Ba∣son. The Christ was of Masse Gold, the Cross of Tambag, which is made of a mixture of seven parts of Gold, and three parts more of a Metal as precious as Gold it self, the Foot was of Silver. His Maiesty told me, that the biggest was de∣signed for Father la Chaize the King's Confessor, whose Merit and Fidelity in the Service of his Master, he knew by the Character that the Lord Constance had given of him. Then he fell a prais∣ing the Zeal and Disinterestedness of his own Mi∣nister, whom he always called our Brother; tel∣ling us, that he had received most signal Services from him on all occasions that ever presented. After that his Majesty commanded me to tell the Father Confessor, when in his Name I presented him that Crucifix, that he could not render him more acceptable Service, nor more useful to his State, than in obtaining for him twelve Mathe∣maticians from the King; that I might assure them, that before their Arrival, there would be an Observatory, a House and a Church for them at Louvo as well as at Siam. At the same time he enjoyned the Lord Constance to get them forth∣with built, and with assistance of the Fathers to chuse Places for them in the two Towns I have been speaking of. As for the other Crucifix, I

freely give it you, said he, with a most gracious Look, that it may serve you for a faithful Com∣panion during all your Voyage. Let me hear News from you as oft as you can; and above all things, endeavour to return back again with the first opportunity. I beseech Divine Providence, that takes care of the Conduct of the Universe, to give you a prosperous Voyage. At length, having recommended to my Care what he then had enjoyned me, and what he was told by o∣thers from him, he again wished me a speedy Return, and so went away, expressing the plea∣sure and satisfaction that he had received during the two hours that he had done us the Honour to be present at our Observations. No body was near his Person all the while he was with us, but the Lord Constance, the Lord Chamberlain, and a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber. So many Fa∣vours to which it behoved us to answer upon the Spot, hindred us from observing the immersion of several Spots. After the King was gone, the Lord Constance staid alone with us; and having well remarked the Circle of the Shadow, and Mare Chrysium in the Telescope, he observed together with us the rest of the Phases until the total im∣mersion.

From thence we returned to the House of the Lord Constance, where we expected the emersion of the Moon, which appeared above a quarter of an hour before Sun-rising, that is to say, at six a-clock and six minutes, the beginning of the E∣mersion was at 6. h. 1. m. 11. sec. or rather, at 6. h. 9. m. and to that Observation it was con∣cluded we must hold: It is true, the Vapors of the Horizon hindred us a little. The Moon was

still to be seen near the Horizon at 6. h. 22 m. 0 sec. but soon after she set, and the Sun rose. The Pendulum was set at One a clock after Noon, and from Three a-clock in the Afternoon the day before had lost but three Minutes and three Se∣conds. The Hours set down in the Observation are according to the clock not rectified. Thus the hours of Noon by the great Pendulum, observed the Ninth and Tenth of December, 1685. and the loss of the little one in respect of the great, ac∣cording to which it was set the Tenth of March, at Three a-clock in the Afternoon, shew that the little Pendulum at 4. h. 22. m. 45. Sec. after Mid∣night, next day went too slow by a Minute, and that the true Hour was 4. h. 23 m. 45. Sec.

I have communicated these Observations to the Members of the Academy Royal of Sciences, and it was found that the total immersion having been observed the Eleventh of that instant,

	Hou.	Min.	Sec.
At Louvo,	04	23	45
At Paris by Mr. Cassini,	09	49	30
The Difference of Merid.	06	34	15

At 6. h. 9. m. the same litie Pendulum went too slow 1. m. 25. Sec. the hour then was 6. h. 10. m. 25. Sec. at that time the Emersion began, as it appeared at Louvo. The same Emersion was observed at the Observatory of Paris by Monsieur Cassini.

	Hou.	Min,	Sec.
The Difference of Meridians,	11	36	18
	06	34	07

	Deg.	Min.
So that the Diff. of Longit. will be	98	32
The Longitude of Paris being	22	30
Then that of Louvo will be	121	02

By the Observations of the Lunar Eclipse, Fe∣bruary 21. 1682. the Longitude of Siam was found to be of 121 degrees, which exactly a∣grees with these new Observations.

It is a strange thing that there should be mo∣dern Maps that put the Longitude of Siam in the 145. degree, whereas the great Map of the Observatory made long before these Observati∣ons, gives it 122 degrees, within a degree or little more of these Observations.

A Bramen Astrologer, who was at Louvo, had foretold this Eclipse to a quarter of an hour al∣most; but he was mightily mistaken as to the duration of it, saying that the Emersion would not appear above the horizon till after the Sun was up. Some days before, we had a Confe∣rence with that Bramen; but since we understood not the Siam-Language, we could not learn any thing of the manner how he calculates Eclipses. He proposed to us some Questions about the Sun and Stars, which were easily answered, as for instance, in what Sign the Sun was? how many fixed Stars we reckoned, &c. He asked us, if what we had read in some China-Books, was true, that there always appeared a fixed and ve∣ry sparkling Star perpendicularly over the Palace of the Emperor of China at Peguin? We told him it was a Fable; and it was no hard matter to make him of the same mind. He was not of the Opinion of the Siamese Talapoins, who ima∣gine

and teach, that when the Moon is eclipsed, a Dragon devours her, and casts her up again. When it is objected to them, how it comes to pass then that we know and foretell the very moment of the Eclipse, how great it will be, how long it is to last; how comes it to pass that sometimes there is but part of the Moon eclipsed, and some∣times all of it? They dryly answer, that this Dragon has his Meals regulated, that we know the time of them, and the measure likewise of his Appetite, which is sometimes greater and some∣times less. One had as good say nothing at all, as to offer to prove that those all are Chimerical Notions; for they wilfully persist in their illusion. To conclude this Matter, I shall here subjoyn the Letter which the Lord Constance wrote to Father de la Chaize, wherein that Minister hath been pleased to give him an Account of what past at the last Audience which the King gave us upon occasion of the Eclipse; it hath been translated out of Portuguese.

Most Reverend Father,

I Cannot express to your most Reverend Paternity the Joy that I have felt this Year, and I hope you will not take it ill, if I give you a particular Account of the Grounds and Causes of it. The first was the Arrival of His most Christian Majesties Ambassador at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Court, which hath furnished me the Occasion that I so passionately desired of rendring to that Prince in the Person of His Ambassador all the Services I am capable of. The second was the great and pious Matters which that Ambassador came here to manage, and lastly, the coming of six of my Brethren, whom the most Christi∣an

King hath sent into these Parts on so noble a De∣sign. These Enterprizes, worthy of so great a Monarch, have ravished into admiration all the Princes of the East, and have wrought in them an ardent desire of solliciting the Friendship of so wise and generous a King. But the King my Master hath been more af∣fected with these things, than all the other Princes of the Indies besides. Though before any thing of these mutual Expressions of Friendship, the King my Ma∣ster had conceived a high esteem and particular Amity for his most Christian Majesty, I dare assure your Pa∣ternity, that since the time I have had the honour to serve him, he hath never seemed better pleased than in hearing the Relations of the Conquests, Victories and other Grandeurs that always attend his most Christian Majesty. I will not enlarge any more upon that, be∣cause it would be impossible for me or any else who has the honour to know the King, my Master, to express how sensible he is of any thing that regards the Glory of the most Christian King, whom he most particularly loves and esteems. Besides, that which compleats my Joys in this Juncture, is, that I hereby find an occa∣sion of demanding the good correspondence of your Pa∣ternity, for whom I shall ever entertain the esteem I ought. Wherefore I adjure you most heartily, to let me know your intentions, and to assist me with your good Counsels, and you will find me ready to do any thing, especially when the Glory of God, or the Inte∣rests of the most Christian King are concerned. These Reasons have obliged me in the Name of the King my Master, to demand Father Trachard of the Reverend Superior to return into France, and I have intrusted him with certain Affairs, which he is to communicate to your Paternity.

I have presented the Father Superior and my other Brethren who are come with him, to the King my Ma∣ster: His Majesty did me the honour to receive them with extraordinary Marks of Affection. He hath also honoured them with his Presence, having no body near him but four of his chief Mandarins, when they ob∣served the Eclipse which happened the Eleventh of the Month of December. During all that time, his Ma∣jesty was not four foot distant from the Fathers who sate, making use of their Instruments, and acting with as great freedom as if they had been in the Ob∣servatory of Paris. Nay, the King had the goodness to call the Father Superior to him, and to order him to fit his Telescope, to the end his Majesty might the more easily observe; taking the Instrument out of the Fa∣ther's hand, as if he had been his familiar Friend. During that Observation, he did the Fathers the ho∣nour to bestow upon each of them a Cassock and Cloak of China Damask; and for Father Trachard, who will present you this Letter, he added a Golden Cruci∣fix, that he might give him a faithful Companion for his Voyage (these are the King's own Words) char∣ging the same Father to present another much bigger to your Paternity, with his particular desires that you would procure frum the most Christian King twelve Fathers Mathematicians of the Society, who will be received here with much Joy. The King my Master, having already ordered the Father Superior to chuse a place at Louvo, and another at Siam, there to build Churches, Observatories, and Houses that may be pro∣per for them; he chargtd me at the same time to t••ke a course that all these things should be ready to receive the Fathers upon their Arrival. If the six Fat••••rs Mathematicians and my Brethren ha••e been able to do such brave things in two Mon•••••• time, wh•••• w ul••

not fifty or more be able to do in the space of twenty years?

I have given the Ambassador of the King my Ma∣ster some Curiosities of this Country, to be presented in my Name to your Paternity. I pray you to accept of them, and it shall be to me a new occasion of Joy to receive your Orders, and to render you my Services in all things that depend on me. I commend my self to your Holy Sacrifices, and am, with all due Respect and Friendship,

Most Reverend Father,

Your most Humble, and Obedient Servant and Brother, CONSTANTINE PHAƲLKON.

* 3.1After the King had observed the Eclipse with us in the manner I have related, he invited us to participate in the Diversion which that day he gave in the Forest, for taking the Elephants which were there kept enclosed. We made rea∣dy to set out about seven of the Clock: Then we were told that my Lord Ambassador was set out, and that the King was coming out of his Palace. Presently after the Ambassador arrived on Horse-back with all his Retinue; the Bishop of Metellopolis, the Abbot de Lyonne, and Monsieur Vachet attended him. No sooner had all alighted from their Horses, and mounted the Elephants

that were prepared for us, but the King appeared attended by a great number of Mandarins mounted on Elephants of War. We followed, and en∣tered about a League into the Wood, as far as the Enclosure where the wild Elephants were. It was a square Park of about three or four hundred Geometrical Paces, paled in by great Stakes; however large Openings were left at convenient Distances, and within there were fourteen Ele∣phants of all Sizes. So soon as the Company came, they made a Ring of about an hundred E∣lephants of War posted round the Park, to hin∣der the Wild ones from breaking through the Palisado; we were behind this Ring, and near to the King. Twelve of the strongest of the tame Elephants were sent in within the Precincts of the Park, every one of them carrying two Men with great Ropes and running Nooses, whereof the ends were made fast to the Elephants they rode upon. They presently made up to the Elephant they had a mind to catch, who finding himself pursued, offered at the Barrier to break through and make his Escape; but all the way was blocked up by Elephants of War, by whom they were forced back within the Inclosure again, and as they ran to and again within that Space, the Huntsmen, who were mounted on tame Ele∣phants, threw their Nooses so exactly upon the places where the Beasts were to set their Foot, that they never failed catching of them; Indeed, they were all taken in the space of an hour.

They afterwards tied every wild Elephant, and on each side of him put a tame one, which were to be left a Fortnight with him, that by their means he might be daunted.

Amongst that Herd of wild Elephants, there were two or three very young and little ones. The King said he would send one of them to the Duke of Burgundy; but considering that the Duke of Anjou might be emulous and take Exceptions thereat, he added that he would also send him one less, that so there might be no Jealousie nor Dispute betwixt them.

When the Hunting was over, the King told the Ambassador, that they had never had better sport in so short a time, that Providence had so order∣ed it for his sake, and that therefore they ought to give God thanks. He then prayed him to leave with him Monsieur de la Mare. The Am∣bassador presented him to him, and his Majesty presently made the Lord Constance give him a Vest of Cloth of Silver with Gold Buttons. Mon∣sieur de la Mare is a very able Ingeneer, and a very honest Man: He hath long served both by Sea and Land; having from his Youth applied himself to the Mathematicks, wherein he hath made great progress. He is very skilful in Na∣vigation, Fortification, and Geometry. On that occasion all the Gentlemen took their Leave of the King, who wished them a happy Voyage, and expressed himself with condescending Civility towards them.

* 3.2The King returned to Thlee-poussonne, and the Ambassador to Louvo. The King came there al∣so in the Evening, that next day he might give the Ambassador his Audience of Leave. Decem∣ber the Twelfth, about eight of the Clock in the Morning, an Oya who is a Mandarin of the first Rank, came with a pompous Train to wait upon the Ambassador from his House to Audience: 〈…〉〈…〉

The Ceremonies were much the same that were observed the Day of his Entry and first Audi∣ence, save that the Ambassadors Gentlemen fol∣lowed him no farther than into the second Court of the Palace. The Audience was not long: The King having charged the Ambassador with his Complements for the most Christian King, and all the Royal Family, made him a Present of a great piece of golden Plate, which in the Siam-Lan∣guage is called Telom, and in Portuguese, Bolseta, and is the Badge of a great Oya and Prince. None at the Court of Siam but only the Prince of Camboye is allowed to have the like. The Lord Constance told the Ambassador from the King, that his Majesty would willingly have compleated the Ceremony which is observed on such Occasions, but that he omitted it because of some things, which perhaps would not be agree∣able to the Europeans. His Majesty ordered a Crucifix, such as he had given me the day be∣fore, to be presented to the Abbot de Lyonne, and another to Monsieur Vachet, whom he sent to France to accompany his Ambassadors. As they came from the Audience, a Table was prepared with above fifty Covers, in a neat Hall, in the middle of a Grass-plat, encompassed with Water-works; all were served in large Dishes of Plate, and the Plenty of Dishes was no less considerable, than the Ragoes were delicious. No kind of Wine was wanting, and the Sweet-meats of China and Japan were highly esteemed above any thing that was there. The Ambassador and Lord Constance would needs have us to be present at the Treat. When that splendid Entertainment was over, the Ambassador embarked for Siam, being accompa∣nied

by a great many Mandarins of all the Or∣ders. I stayed with the Lord Constance till next day, and when I was to part from our Fathers, it troubled me extreamly to leave them. The Father Superior and other two would needs go a∣long with me, and wait upon my Lord Ambassa∣dor on Shipboard.

Our Water-men rowed all night long, and December the Fourteenth, about seven a Clock in the Morning, we arrived at the Ambassadors House in Siam. His Servants were employed in putting on board the China and other Furniture of his Palace, which the King had presented him with. Before I left the City, I had a long Discourse with Father Suarez and Father Fucity. These Fathers have learnt to suffer without com∣plaining, and as to that point they have a nice∣ness of Conscience that makes them observe Mea∣sures, that the strictest Morality could not always comply with. They only hinted to me that they had been surprised, that the Jesuits of the Indies should be accused of taking Money (as it is pra∣ctised in Parishes) for Administring, Baptism, saying Mass, &c. seeing an infinite Number of People could bear Witness to the contrary, and they protested to me before God that never any thing had been done, that might in the least alter the Rule of our Institution. I had long desired an Opportunity of being cleared as to a Matter of Fact that had made a Noise, but I had forgot to do it till then. I asked them if it was true, that a certain Minister of Batavia, called Ferreira, was an Apostate Jesuit, as it was given out. They made me answer, that he had never been neither of our Company, nor of any other religious So∣ciety,

which he had acknowledged to several Per∣sons, and to Father Fucity himself at Batavia; that perhaps the thing that had given occasion to the Report, was the Conformity in Name which he had with a Jesuit, who is also called Ferreira, and who hath been formerly mentioned, from whence ground had been taken to confound the two into one Person. Would to God that the Original of such kind of Reports were only to be attributed to a bare Mistake; for how many such have been of late years published in certain Libels that have flown about in Holland? Distance of Place hath in this favoured the Malicious, and the natural Inclination or Interest that Men have to give Credit to that that's Evil, has been the cause that some have believed it. Having view∣ed things at nearer distance, I have with humble Submission adored Providence, that suffers Men sometimes to lash out and speak the worst of those, of whom, had they been just, they might have said the best. They ought to consider that very far from injuring those whom they would decry, they only exercise their Patience, keep them humble, and hinder them from receiving in this World a weak recompence for the Labours which deserve a more solid Reward in Heaven, which is a great Kindness to them; whereas all re∣flects upon Religion, which is exposed to the Censure of Hereticks, and the Contempt of Infi∣dels.

We parted from Siam the Fourteenth of De∣cember, about four or five a Clock in the Evening.* 3.3 The Lord Constance who would wait upon the Ambassador as far as the Bar, followed him in a stately and princely Balon, which the King some∣time

since had obliged him to take, and just such another as that which carried the Ambassador. The Train consisted of twenty Balons of State, which went as low as the Tabangue, where he was received the Day of his Entry. As soon as they arrived there, they drew up and made a Lane, according to their Quality, that the Ambassadors Balon might pass betwixt them, and so the Man∣darins who were on board of them took their Leave and returned. We came to Bancok about four a Clock in the Morning, where the Lord Constance prayed the Ambassador to stay till next Day, that he might view the Fortifications of the Citadel, and give his Judgment of them. Whilst we were at Bancok,* 3.4 a Frigat of the King of Si∣am's past that way, carrying the Letter which his Majesty wrote to the King of France. The Let∣ter was in a Gold Box shaped like a Cone, and this Box was put up in another bigger Silver Box, which also was enclosed within a third of Japan Wood varnished, wrapped up in a piece of rich Silk Stuff flowered with Gold. All this was in a gilt Pyramid placed aloft on the Stern of the Frigat, with many Parasols to cover it. When the Frigat past by with its Convoy of Ba∣lons of State, the Governors of Places that lye upon the River, made a Discharge of all their Artillery, and every one of them waited upon the Letter as far as their Government reached, receiving it from one another with the same Ho∣nours and Ceremonies.

Sunday, December the Sixteenth, the Ambassa∣dor arrived at the Bar, and the same Day about seven of the Clock at Night went on board the Oyseau. As I had been all along in the Balon of

the Lord Constance, so he would have me to go on board of one of his Frigats at the Mouth of the River, and stay with him there two Days to dispatch some Business. There he gave me a Letter to the King, which I have had the Ho∣nour to present to his Majesty. We afterwards weighed and came to an Anchor again near the Ambassadors Ship, to do him the Honour that he had never done to any before. The King of Si∣am's Ambassadors, who were not as yet come on board the Oyseau, desired the Ambassador to send them the Long-boat to carry on board their Ma∣sters Letter. They went and fetcht it from the Frigat, and when they were come to the Ships side, the second Ambassador put the Pyramid wherein it was upon his Shoulders, and so came on board, no body daring to touch it. It was placed upon aloft on the Stern with the Parasols, and one and twenty Guns were fired at the Ce∣remony. Nevertheless the Ambassadors were prevailed upon to carry it into their Cabin, be∣cause being so placed, it would hinder the work∣ing of the Ship. The Ambassador and Lord Constance visited one another on board their Ships, with the usual Salutes; and the last time that the Lord Constance came on board the Oyseau to take his Leave of the Ambassador, they gave one a∣nother great marks of mutual Friendship, and parted with Grief. Our three Fathers who were come so far, returned with the Lord Constance and Bishop of Metellopolis, leaving me troubled and pensive, but I endeavoured to moderate my Sorrow by the hopes of seeing them again within a few years. When all were gone into the Cha∣loop, the Lord Constance called me and gave me a

Chapelet made of the costly Wood of Calamba; but the Cross and great Beads were of Tambag. Then the Chaloop put off, and we saluted her with thirteen Guns for the last Farewel.

We were ready to set sail, and stayed for no∣thing now but Monsieur Vachet, and the Ambassa∣dors Secretary; they had fallen down with the rest to the Mouth of the River; but for three Days time no body could tell what was become of them. This put a stop to our Voyage, and we were just going to weigh Anchor when we saw them coming with two or three Mandarins of the Retinue of the Ambassadors of Siam. The Cur∣rents had carried away the Galley they were on board of with so much violence, that they could not resist it, nor come up with us sooner; several others were to have embarked with us; but the Season already far spent, suffered us not to stay for them, so that we put under Sail.

* 3.5And parted from the Bar of Siam with a good Wind the two and twentieth of December. The Lord Constance had sent us on board all sorts of fresh Provisions in so great abundance, that we were fain to pray him to send no more, and even to leave some of them. We came to Bantam the Tenth of January, after we had run aground in the Streight of Banca through the Fault of the Dutch Pilot, whom we took in at Batavia. No Body can well tell what whimsy made him cast An∣chor, which put us in danger of being cast away; for had not the Ground been so owzy as it was, the Anchor we dropt would have bulged the Ship that ran foul of it; and it was some trou∣ble to get her off. A Dutch Ship that came after, had more Wit than to follow us, and so was not stranded as we were

So soon as we came to an Anchor before Ban∣tam, the Ambassador sent M. de Cibois, Lieute∣nant of the Ship to make a Complement to the Governor, not doubting but that he would come off with better Grace than he did the time before, and the rather, that he was not ignorant of the Civilities that the General of Batavia had shewn the Ambassador; but we were mistaken. Monsieur Cibois could not speak to the Governor, who, they said, was sick, and bid the Governor of the Fort tell him, that they would send on board fresh Provisions. This Promise amounted to no more but the sending of two or three Bullocks, with an Excuse that there was no more to be had. In the Evening came a Man, who pretended to be sent from the Governor, and de∣manded Money for the Bullocks, which it was thought the Governor had presented to my Lord Ambassador. That Messenger was used as he de∣served, and had an Answer given him to carry to the Governor, sutable to such a clownish and uncivil Behaviour. So next day we made Sail towards the Cape of Good-hope.

We had the best Luck, imaginable in passing the Streight of the Sound, which is a very diffi∣cult Passage to shoot, because of contrary Winds that commonly reign there in that Season. But God was graciously pleased to send us most excel∣lent Weather, which in a few Hours put us out of all Danger. We had a more particular In∣stance of his Divine Providence three days after. Our Pilots had a mind to keep thirty or forty Leagues to the Southward of the Isle Mony, and thought they had steered their Course according∣ly, when about break of day Monsieur de Vaud••••∣court

made Land at three or four Leagues distance from us, we had certainly run foul of it, had it blown a little fresher in the Night-time. This Land is so low that it is not to be known but by the Breaks. We were obliged to bear away to the Leeward, and leave it to the South, contrary to our first Design. During the whole Voyage, we had as fair Weather as Heart could wish, un∣till we were off of the Isle of Bourbon, February the Thirteenth, where we met with one of the most violent Gusts of Wind that the old Officers, as they said, had ever seen. It lasted three days, and having carried away the Frigats main Sail, separated her from us much about the same place that we lost her when we were outward bound, and we had no more sight of her, till that Day we came to an Anchor at the Cape of Good-Hope, whither she had got two Days before us.

* 3.6March the Tenth, we made a Sail bound to∣wards the Indies: As we drew nearer, we knew her to be an English Ship by her Colours. My Lord Ambassador being willing to hear News from Europe, sent Monsieur Cibois and his Secreta∣ry, who spoke very good English, to the Cap∣tain. They brought back word that that Ship had been five Months out of England, and that she was bound streight for Tunquin, without touch∣ing any where; that all was quiet in Europe; that the King of England had defeated the Rebels, and made the Duke of Monmouth, who commanded them, Prisoner, who was shortly after beheaded; that many of his Followers had suffered Death, and other tasted of his Britannick Majesties Mercy.

These were very acceptable News to us, and especially when they told us that the English Ship had made the Cape the Day before about seven Leagues off. We then found that we were much nearer it than we imagined, and next day cast∣ing out the Lead, we found our selves about se∣ven a Clock in the Morning, upon the Bank of the Needles, in ninety Fadom Water, and about Noon we made the Cape of the Needles. The Wind was then fair, and we made the best use of it all Night long, so that next day we made the Cape of Good-Hope about eight Leagues off. A∣bout three in the Afternoon we came to the Mouth of the Bay; but the Wind blowing too high for putting in, we came to an Anchor be∣twixt Isle Robin and the main Land, near the Frigat.

The Day following, March the Thirteenth, the Wind being abated, we came to an Anchor in the Bay, amongst seven great Dutch Ships, that made up the East-India Fleet that was to re∣turn to Europe, so soon as three or four Ships more, which they daily expected, were come to the Cape. The Ambassador sent a Compliment to the Governour of the Fort, who received it as kindly as the time before, when we past that way. We saluted the Fort with seven Guns, and they returned us Gun for Gun. Whilst we were taking in Water, and providing other ne∣cessary Provisions, I went to pay a Visit to the Governour, who had asked News of the six Je∣suits whom he had seen the Year before. He made me many Offers of Services, offering me a Friends House, if I would stay ashoar, because the Observatory, which was pulled down to be

built again with greater Magnificence, was not yet finished. Being informed that I was to re∣turn to the Indies with several other Jesuits, he added very obligingly, that all should be ready a∣gainst our Arrival, and invited me and all my Companions before hand, to come and refresh our selves there. After all these Civilities, he made me a Present of four lovely Tygers Skins, and of a little tame Beast which he had taken in his last Expedition; by the Hair and Size of it, it resembles a Squirril, and had much the Shape of one, when he gave it me, he told me it was the implacable Enemy of Serpents, and was at cruel Wars with them.

It was then Vintage time, which was very far advanced; we eat of the Grapes of Africa that are plentiful, and have a rare good Taste. The White-wine is very delicate, and if the Dutch knew as well how to cultivate Vines, as to make Colonies and pursue Trade, they might have ex∣cellent Wines there of the other Colour.

The Governour told me that he was just re∣turned from a great Journey he had made up into the Country Northward, where he had discover∣ed many Nations, who have some Form of Go∣vernment, and well ordered Oeconomy, as may be seen in the Description of the Cape of Good-hope.

* 3.7Having taken on board Provisions, and our sick Men, who were recovered by the Land-air, we put out of the Bay the twenty sixth of March. We steered our Course towards the Ascension Island. This Isle lies in eight Degrees South La∣ti••ude, and seven Degrees fifteen Minutes Longi∣tude. There is so great plenty of Tortoises or

Turtle to be had there, that in a Night or two as many may be caught as will satisfie to feed a whole Ships Company, consisting of four hun∣dred Men, for a Fortnights time. These Tor∣toises are of an extraordinary bigness, and in the Evening after Sun-set, when they come ashoar to lay their Eggs, Men turn as many of them as they intend to take, upon their Backs, for the Sea-shoar is full of them, and in that condition they leave them till next day, when they come and carry them on Board in Boats. We made that Isle, which appears at a great distance by a high Hill, the nineteenth of April, about four of the Clock in the Afternoon, we had a good Wind, and we should have lost time if we had put into the Road, and therefore the Ambassador would not stop there.

We past the Line at the first Meridian,* 3.8 the seven and twentieth of April, and from that time forward, till the last of May, we had ve∣ry easie Winds, but then met with a strong contrary Wind. Next day towards the Even∣ing, we were much surprised to make the Isle of Corvo on head of us, which is the most Nor∣thern Isle of the Azores. Our Pilots thought we had been near an hundred Leagues beyond those Islands. I have read in many Journals, and learnt from several able Sea-men, that Men are many times out in that Course, and that they never sail to make the A•• res, when they think they have past them. That is a sign that in those Places the Currents set Westward with great Rapidity. So that Men should sail with much Circumspection upon their Return from A∣frica,

that they may not fall into so considera∣ble a Mistake, which may prove to be of fatal Consequence.

June the eleventh, it blew so fierce a Storm, that we were forced to furl all our Sails, and to lay a-try under one Course. That Gust lasted not long, and we stood away Eastward. One day, as we were sailing with all Sails draw∣ing, and were in hopes soon to make the Land of Ʋshan, because we were already got into the Soundings, a Sea-man upon the Watch cri∣ed out, that we were about to run upon a Rock. It was late, and the Darkness of the Night en∣creased our Fear, occasioned by so present a Danger; but it was over in a trice, when in∣stead of that pretended Rock, we found a great Fisher Boat at an Anchor. Had not we tackt in the very nick of time, we had been foul of her. The poor Men on board were so allarmed, that they still kept crying with all their force, that we would take pity of them, though we were already at a pretty good distance from them.

Next day we met a Boat, that assured us we were but eight Leagues from Ʋshan. This News rejoyced all the Ships Company, which was encreased next day by the sight of that Island. When we made it, we clapt on all the Sail we could, that we might stand in to the Iroise, but it being again Tide, and the Wind failing us, we were forced to come to an Anchor betwixt the black Stones and the main Land in five and twenty Fadom Water on sandy Ground. Next day, the eighteenth of

June, we came to an Anchor in the Road of Brest. There we sang Te Deum, to thank God for so prosperous a Voyage, with a Noise of all the Guns of both Ships, and afterwards we went ashoar.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Moors make a Feast to celebrate the Memory of their Pro∣phet.
• * 1.2

  The way of taking and taming Ele∣phants.
• * 2.1

  The Harangue of the Lord Constance to the King of Siam.
• * 2.2

  The King of Siam answers the Lord Con∣stance.
• * 2.3

  The Motives that keep the King of Siam firm in his Religion.
• * 2.4

  The Lord Constance his Reply to the King of Siam's Objections a∣bout changing of Religion.
• * 2.5

  A Character of the King of Siam.
• * 2.6

  We began to make observa∣tions at Louvo.
• * 2.7

  Observation about the va∣riation of the Needle.
• * 2.8

  The King of Siam observes with the Jesu∣its an Ecclipse of the Moon in his Palace.
• * 2.9

  The King of Siam invites the Ambassa∣dor to an Ele∣phant hunting
• * 2.10

  A description of that hunt∣ing.
• * 2.11

  The King of Siam demands the Chevalier de Fourbin from the Am∣bassador.
• * 2.12

  The Jesuits prepare to observe in the Kings pre∣sence at Thee-possonne.
• * 2.13

  They begin the Observa∣tion of the E∣clipse before the King.
• * 2.14

  The King puts several Questions of Astronomy to the Jesuits.
• * 3.1

  The way of catching Ele∣phants.
• * 3.2

  The Ambassa∣dor takes his Audience of Leave of his Majesty of Siam.
• * 3.3

  Departure from Siam.
• * 3.4

  The King of Siams Letter is carried on board the Oy∣seau.
• * 3.5

  Departure from the Bar of Siam.
• * 3.6

  News from an English Ship outward bound.
• * 3.7

  Putting out from the Bay of the Cape.
• * 3.8

  We past the Line at the first Meridia••.