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 CHAPTER X

THE FEAST OF THE CITY

day of full moon, which synchronised most nearly with the summer solstice, had come, and throughout the Khmer Empire all the world made holiday.

It was the day, tradition related, which had seen the foundation of Angkor Thom, the first and greatest of cities; the day upon which Indra, Lord of the Thunders, incarnated in the likeness of a youthful warrior, had appeared suddenly before the Brahman king, and had placed in his hands the Sacred Sword.

Every Khmer peasant could repeat by heart the mystic dialogue which had then ensued between the aged monarch—worn and white- bearded, after a lifetime of battle, seated gravely among his councillors—and the god, resplendent with supernatural light, and in all the pride and glory of immortal youth.

"Guard well this Sword," Indra had con- cluded, "for within its blade, not made with hands, shall the Spirit of the Land abide. While it is in thy grasp, thy house shall