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This time Palee determines to end the matter once and for all. Grasping his sword, he flies out of the palace window and straight for his brother. The swords flash in the air, and the combatants rain blow after blow on each other, Sukreep pretending to give ground but in fact leading Palee to the place where Phra Narai lies in ambush. When he sees his opportunity, the god bends his bow and lets loose the Promat arrow, but Palee sees the shaft coming and plucks it out of the air. Turning to Phra Narai, he shouts angrily: "Hermit, what has this quarrel to do with you that you should try to kill me?" Phra Narai holds his bow aloft in his four hands and says, "I am Phra Ram Jakri, and I have come to earth to vanquish the demons. Think of the wrongs you have done, Palee, and accept your punishment." When Palee hears this, he knows his end has come. He takes his leave of Sukreep and charges him to serve Phra Ram faithfully. "As king," he says, "you must do no wrong. Banish hatred and be governed by good intentions. To your people be as a father, and to your enemies a scourge." Then Palee stabs himself with Narai's arrow, and his soul leaves his body to be received into paradise. When the news of his death reaches Keetkin, the court and the people are united in mourning for their king. A procession leaves the palace, headed by Dara, Palee's wife, Ongkot who is his son by Nang Monto, and Chompooparn, Hanuman's childhood companion. They make their obedience's to Sukreep, who is now their lord, and pay homage to Phra Narai, who rejoices when he sees what fine soldiers these little Monkey people will make. The funeral ceremonies are quickly arranged. With one arrow shot from his bow, Narai creates a diamond cremation sala and a crystal urn to hold Palee's remains; with a second, he lights the funeral pyre. Sukreep, Dara and the sons of the king throw flowers and ornaments of gold into the fire, and soon the flames have consumed Palee's corpse. Sukreep, the new king of Keetkin, is borne back to the city by the people. |
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