He caused them to be put into velvet bags and handed them over to the executioners who beat them to death with clubs of sandalwood. This method of death which had no disgrace attached to it, was reserved for Princes of the blood-royal. The King shortly followed his brothers to the grave. This Prince, who had been so ardent a partisan of the French, has been depicted by them in glowing colours. Though naturally of a warlike disposition, but a true friend of his people, he preferred to adopt a policy of pacification rather than to follow his inclinations which would have caused public misfortunes. Though keeping his high spirit under control, he was none the less formidable to his neighbours who preferred to have him for an ally rather than for an enemy. As a monarch who took deep interest in all affairs of State, he allowed himself but little leisure; and his sole relaxation was the chase, the usual pastime of active persons and sometimes also of those weighed down by anxieties. He showed an appreciation of science and art, several foreigners had been called in to be his instructors and had the soil been good, the harvest would have been fruitful. He left a daughter aged twenty eight years who had been proclaimed Queen during her father's lifetime, she had her own territories and officers and soldiers who were subject to her only. Every day she gave audience to the wives of the officials, and seated on a throne she received the homage of these women who crouching on the ground with bent heads adopted the same posture as did their husbands when in presence of the King. She was severe, almost ferocious and seemed made rather to rule wild beasts than to govern men. CHAPTER V. THE BREACH BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND THE USURPER. The revolution was managed so adroitly, that there were no perceptible changes in public affairs. The palace was the scene of some disturbance, but outside, everything was peaceful. Pitracha who had succeeded quietly to the throne went to the capital where he was proclaimed King amid the shouts of the multitude. The chief offices of state were held by men of his faction and scorning the baseness of revenge, as soon as there appeared nothing more to fear from their actions, he promoted all those of whom he had previously cause to complain. The people were relieved and his alms to the needy won the hearts of all. He married the daughter of the late King. At first this Princess was averse to the union, but fired by ambition, she preferred life rather than the death which would have been her portion in event of a refusal.