best thing we can do, is to transform the body of our deceased General by cremation, and bury the ashes at the foot of this mountain. Let the place of burial be an octagonal plot of ground, facing the Jim and Sin points of the compass."—This was done, and in front of the grave was erected a nine storied Pagoda, behind was a twelve peaked bill. The whole army assisted as one man, and in a day the burial was accomplished properly.
The Sien-Seng, Kin Lam, erected a tomb-stone, and on this tablet were engraved six characters; to each character was added the character "Sui," or water.
After the funeral ceremonies were concluded, the Sien-seng Kin-Lam, addressed the army, saying; "Since Ban Lung's death, I have consulted the fates, and by divination, I perceive that the destiny of the "Chheng" dynasty is not yet fulfilled; if we from day to day contend with the Imperialists, we shall only be wasting our strength. The best thing to be done, is that the whole of our brethren disperse, each man to his own dwelling, and his own province, disguising his name aud surname, and enlisting as many brave heroes as possible to join the good cause. We will remain quietly until the intentions of Heaven are changed, and then as easily as putting on a suit of armour, we will restore the "Beng" dynasty, and avenge our long standing grieviances. The whole army agreed to this with acclamation, and all followed Kin-lam's advice; but before parting, they in public assembly, established the Thien-Te-Hui, and divided the Society into five banners or lodges, inventing verses, characters, and pass words, by which the members could be mutually recognised, until the day shall arrive when they will be able to overturn the Chheng dynasty, and fully restore the Beng to their rightful Empire.
- ↑ Sur Thien, heng To.
