The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. XLIV, Part 1-2, 1956 - Khamkoo

Recent Siamese Publications 59
It seems that the poet was 1vell aware of his ability and never
minced his words to that effect to si1ch an extent that he made his
first patron King Rama II set about writing his 8a'J)kht'vv to prove
that he too could write plebeian stories with a plebeian atmosphere.
The author seems interested in astr•ology since he gives
prognostications by astrologers of the poet's fate from the birth chat•t
made from the recorded day of the poet's birth.
The book ends with the author's 'own niriis based on the
PM'a A.bhaimani. It is dedicated to the occasion of the centenary.
It commences with Phra Abhaimani's sojonrn in the cave of the
ogtess, his regret of the unnatural situation of being husband of
an ogress, his escape by way of the oceans and the pursuit. and death
of the ogress. The ni1·as is followed by a metrical appreciation of
the poet based on the successive events of his long and varied life.
From reading the book one gets the feeling of Bhii's
inegnlar life, somewhat of the type of an Omat· Khayyam, which
was tempered by his wealth of feeling and sympathy. This is
frankly the work of a poet who thinks nothing of repeating facts
and data. It is, however. balanced by the author's obvious
enthusiasm and admiration for the great poet whose centenary he
celebrates.