Most of the dignitaries, generally fat men, were lying lazily on triangular embroidered cushions, in their splendid boats, upon a kind of dais, surrounded by officials, women, and children, kneeling, or lying flat, in readiness to hold out the golden urns which serve them for spittoons, or their betel-boxes or teapots, all made of the same precious metals by the goldsmiths of Laos and Ligor. The boats have generally from eighty to a hundred rowers, with the head and greater part of the body bare, but wearing a large white scarf round the loins, and a brilliant red _langouti_; they all raise their paddles simultaneously, and strike the water in regular time, while at the prow and stern are stationed two other slaves, one dexterously managing a long oar which serves as a rudder, the other on the watch to prevent a collision with any other boat. The rowers continually raise a wild, exulting cry, “Ouah! ouah!” while the steersman utters a louder and more prolonged one, which rises above the voices of the rest. Many boats also are to be seen crowded with women, musicians, or parties carrying presents. The _coup d’œil_ is certainly charming. [Illustration: Drawn by M. Sabatier, from a Sketch by M. Mouhot. SCENE ON THE RIVER MENAM, NEAR BANGKOK.] From time to time appears, amidst the picturesque assemblage, the boat of some European, always to be recognised by his “chimney-pot” or silk hat. [Illustration: Drawn by M. Sabatier, from a Sketch by M. Mouhot. A PRIEST IN HIS BOAT.] All these scenes passed rapidly away, and, before long, I could only hear the distant sounds of the music, and see a few scattered boats adorned with streamers, passing up or down the river, being often skilfully managed by girls and very young children, who amused themselves by racing. It is evident, from the careless gaiety of these people, that they do not suffer the frightful poverty but too often met with in our large cities. When his appetite is satisfied--and, for that, all that is necessary is a bowl of rice, and some fish seasoned with capsicum--the Siamese is lively and happy, and sleeps without care for the morrow; he is, in fact, a kind of Lazzaroni. [Illustration: Drawn by M. Thérond, from a Photograph. THE NEW PALACE OF THE KING OF SIAM, BANGKOK.] PAIN OF SEPARATION.