Page:Once a Week Jun to Dec 1864.pdf/298

 Rh It is much to be regretted that the rough texture of the stone should be so unworthy of the skill of the sculptor. Had it been executed in white marble, or even in the magnesian limestone which abounds in Ceylon, the effect would have been infinitely more lovely.



The corresponding window, as I have said, is gone. But the fragments, which lie scattered about, show that it entirely differed in design from the existing one, which I shuddered to think must so soon share its fate. This, I am happy to say, has been averted; for Mr. O'Grady, the government agent of the province, has removed it to Kurnegalle, where, in the beautiful grounds of his official residence, itself the site of the royal palace of Hastisailapoora, he has erected it, with other choice specimens of stone carving, as a monument to ancient art.

Yapahoo, or more correctly Yapawu,—called Subhapabbata in the Mahawanso,—appears to have been founded in the beginning of the thirteenth century, during the usurpation of Maagha, who came from Kalinga (the northern Cirears) 1219. At this time several Buddhist chieftains fortified themselves in hills in retired parts of the country, and protected the people and the priesthood. Amongst these a noble, named Subha Sénapatí, a devoted adherent of the Buddhist religion, “disgusted at the impious profligacy of the king, determined on no longer remaining at court.” He accordingly resigned his office, and, assembling his followers, quitted Pollanarua, and fortified