Page:Great & wonderful revolution in Siam (1690).pdf/6

Rh contrary, was always either in the Woods a hunting of Elephants, or in his Palace minding the Affairs of his Kingdom. He was no Lover of War, because it ruin'd his People, whom he tenderly lov'd; but when his Subjects rebell'd, or his neighbouring Princes offer'd him the least Affront, or violated that Respect that was due to him, there was no King in all the East that took a more conspicuous Revenge, nor appeared more passionate for Glory. He was desirous of knowing every thing, and having a pregnant and piercing Wit, he easily became Master of what he had a mind to learn. He was magnificent, generous, and as true a Friend as could be desired. These were the Illustrious Qualities which acquired him the Respect of his Neighbours, the Fear of his Enemies, the Esteem and Love of his Subjects, that was nothing short of Adoration. He was never addicted to those Vices which so commonly reign amongst the Princes of the East; nay, he did often severely punish the most considerable Mandarins, and principal Officers of the Crown, for being too much given to their Pleasures: So that the most unconquerable Obstacle to the Conversion of those Indian and Idolatrous Princes, was not to be found in him, namely, the immoderate Love of Women.

By the sharpness of his Wit he had discovered the Erroneousness of the Religion of his Ancestors. And he did not believe an Annihilated God, according to the popular Opinion; or as some of theis Doctors say, A God, who weary of governing the Heavens, plunges himself in Repose, and for ever buries himself in the forgetfulness of what passes in the world; Nor a Thousand other Superstitions preached by the Talopins, who are the Preachers and Priests of the Kingdom. On the contrary, He believ'd that God is Eternal; that his Providence continually governs the World, and disposes of all things. To the same Immortal God he often made his Prayers, and implored his Divine Assistance with most profound Reverence at least