He then descended from the stool in a shivering state, and was divested of his wet clothes and arrayed in regal robes of golden cloth studded with diamonds. In the south end of the audience-hall was an octagonal throne, having sides corresponding to the eight points of the compass. He first seated himself on the side facing north, passing around toward the east. In front of each side of the throne was crouched a Buddhist and a Brahman priest, who presented him with a bowl of water, of which he drank and rubbed some on his face. At each side they repeated to him a prayer, to which he responded. I was too far off to hear all, but the following is said to be a translation of it: _Priest._ “Be thou learned in the laws of nature and of the universe.” _King._ “Inspire me, O Thou who wert a law unto thyself!” _Priest._ “Be thou endowed with all wisdom and all acts of industry.” _King._ “Inspire me with all knowledge, O Thou the enlightened!” _Priest._ “Let mercy and truth be thy right and left arms of life.” _King._ “Inspire me, O Thou who hast proved all truth and mercy!” _Priest._ “Let the sun, moon and stars bless thee.” _King._ “All praise to Thee, through whom all forms are conquered!” _Priest._ “Let the earth, air and water bless thee.” _King._ “Through the merit of thee, O Thou conqueror of death!” He was then conducted to the north end of the hall, and was seated upon another throne. The insignia of royalty were then presented to him. They were handed to him by his uncle, Prince Chowfa Malaa Mala. First came the sword, then the sceptre, then two massive gold chains in a casket, which he suspended around his shoulders. Then came the crown, which he put on his own head, and at that instant the royal salute proclaimed him king under the title of Prabat Somdetch Pra Paramendr Maha Chulalang Korn Kate Klou Yu Hua. Then came the golden slippers, the fan, the umbrella, two large massive rings set with huge diamonds, which he placed on each of his forefingers. Then one of each of the Siamese weapons of war were handed to him, which he received and handed back. The Brahmans then wound up with a short address, to which he briefly responded. He then distributed a few gold and silver flowers among his friends, and the Europeans then withdrew to breakfast, which had been prepared for them. [Illustration: BRAHMAN AT WORSHIP.] It may be asked why the Brahmans officiate so much when Siam is emphatically a Buddhist country. I have asked several well-informed noblemen for the reason, but have as yet been unable to ascertain. No one appears able to give any true reason. There are a number of Brahmans in the country, but their existence is scarcely ever noticed except on some such occasion as the above.