History of the Kingdom of Siam and of the revolutions that have caused the overthrow of the empire, up to A.D. 1770Turpin, F. H. (François Henri)
History
History of the Kingdom of Siam and of the revolutions that have caused the overthrow of the empire, up to A.D. 1770
Turpin, F. H. (François Henri)
Thailand -- Description and travel; Thailand -- History
The negociations with the French had been brought to a successful
termination and it was agreed that ships and sailors should be
provided to convey them to Pondicherry, and, as a guarantee of good
faith the King sent his two sons who had been at court up to that time
to the French commander. All the officers who had been arrested at
Louvo, were released and from them the details were forthcoming of the
humiliations that they and the Christians of different nationalities
had suffered. The Seminary had been give over to pillage; the
Christian virgins became the prey of the licentious soldiery, the most
favoured of them however being reserved for the harems. The missionary
priests were put in the pillory whence they gave an example to their
flock of how to suffer in silence.
While preparations were being made for the departure of the French;
their open-hearted generosity very nearly caused an awkward
complication of affairs. Madame Faulcon too weak to endure the
hardships of slavery, asked the Bishop of Métellopolis to gain the
interest of the French commander on her behalf, and to make
arrangements that she might take her departure on board one of their
ships. The Bishop spoke greatly in her favour, but Des Farges, with
more diplomacy than gratitude replied that he was obliged to wait
until the Siamese had supplied him with everything needful for the
voyage and that when all was ready, he would consider her request.
She, however, had grave reasons for hastening her departure and every
moment of delay was vital.
The son of the King, worn out by debauchery, had conceived a violent
passion for her. She would have considered herself guilty of the death
of her husband had she shared the couch of his murderer. To gain her
consent, in vain did he point out that by this act alone she could
regain her position and rescue her son from the vengeance of his
enemies. The brave woman replied. "Are you unaware who I was and how I
have lived. My religion forbids so sinful a marriage. I loved my
husband with all my soul, and, faithful to his memory, my heart is
closed against any new passion. My son is dear to me and I ought to
live for his sake, but I refuse to buy life at such a price as you
offer."
The young Prince, whose passions knew no restraint thought he would be
able to conquer her proud spirit by the most tempting promises. But he
met with so stubborn a resistance, that he showed his affection in a
tyrannical fashion. She was carried off to the palace where she had no
defence other than her tears and outcries.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account