A Burmese wonderland; a tale of travel in Lower and ... - Khamkoo

A BURMESE WONDERLAND. 117
over him as he lay asleep on the ground in the suburbs
of Pagan. On that site he afterwards built the Nagayon
Pagoda, which is still well preserved. His sweetheart,
Thanbhula, when she brought him food, was petrified
with horror at the sight of his danger, and on the spot
where she stood he subsequently raised the Thanbhula
Pagoda in her honour. This shrine also still exists,
and is remarkable for the beauty of its frescoes.
Sawlu's reign lasted only six years, and its tragic
incidents all tend to confirm a favourable opinion of
Kyanzittha, which opinion is indeed forced on us. The
immediate cause of Sawlu's death was a quarrel with
his own foster-brother, Nga-ya-man, over a game of
dice. Nga-ya-man was governor of Pegu. After the
quarrel he withdrew to his province, collected a Taking
army, and marched on Pagan. Kyanzittha was sent
to oppose him and found the enemy occupying an almost
impregnable position, flanked by water, and protected in
front by a treacherous marsh at Pyi Tha'kyun. Well
knowing that Nga-ya-man could not collect supplies
there, he declined to attack imder such unfavourable
conditions. The impetuous, brainless Sawlu commanded
instant attack. Kyanzittha refused. Sawlu accused him
bitterly of cowardice, assumed command himself, and
dashed at the enemy. His army became inextricably
bogged, and the day ended in complete disaster.
Sawlu was captured, and Kyanzittha escaped to
Pagan, where the ministers offered him the throne.
There can be no doubt but that at this time Kyanzittha