สำนักงานราชบัณทิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume IV - 2012 129  Water of Allegiance; Mahajati Kham Luang (The Great Life of Lord Buddha) , the royal version of a poem based on the story of Vessantara, believed to be the greatest of Buddha’s incarnations, aiming at showing the basic doctrines to which all Buddhists adhere, particularly mercy, kindliness, and willingness to help; Lilit Yuan Phai , a historical poem eulogizing King Borommatrailokkanat’s meritorious deeds and victory over Prince Tilokaraj of Chiang Mai. This piece of work re fl ects the heroic and virtuous deeds of Thai kings in defending the land and bringing peace and happiness to the people throughout the Thai history; Lilit Phra Lor , the fi rst poem that plays on the emotions of the readers, is an anonymous narrative poem the plot of which is based on a Northern folktale with a tragic theme similar to that of Romeo and Juliet . The remaining four selections are Khlong Thawa Thotsamas (Twelve Months Poem) , in which the anonymous author refers to the rites and ceremonies observed each month; Dutsadi Sangwoey Klom Chang , a lullaby for a newly captured royal white elephant. The white elephant, believed to be sacred among the peoples of Asia, is a symbol of grandeur and prosperity, bringing fame and honor to its owner, usually a king. The greater number of white elephants a king has in his possession, the more renowned he is. The lullaby is meant to pacify the elephant which has just been taken from the jungle in order that it may acclimatize to the new surroundings in the royal stable; Phleng Yao Phayakon Krung Si Ayutthaya (Prophecy of Ayutthaya) , dating back to the second half of the 17 th century, describes sixteen bad omens foretelling the collapse of Ayutthaya; and Krung Kao Chronicle: Luang Prasert Aksonnit’s Version (The Royal Chronicle of Ayutthaya) , a prose narration of the historical events of Ayutthaya, a former capital of Thailand, starting from King Chai Rajathiraj up to King Naresuan the Great. This chronicle is renowned for its exceptionally accurate accounts. In Volume III a, literary works of the Thon Buri and Early Rattanakosin periods are featured. They consist of Poem in Tribute of King Taksin of Thon Buri by Nai Suan, the Page; Fighting the Burmese at Tha Din Daeng , a poem by King Rama I; Nirat Narin by Nai Narinthibet; The Floating Maiden episode of Ramakian by King Rama II; Being Captivated by a Portrait and Carried off by the Whirlwind episodes of I-nao , a dance drama by King Rama II; Phlai Kaeo’s Wedding episode of Khun Malithat Promathatavedi