Thai Rubbing from the West Wall of the Temple of Wat Po, Bangkok; Nilabad Ordered to Return to Khidkhin and Provide Supplies as Sugrib's Regent, While Hanuman Charged with Finishing the Bridge in Seven Days; forms complete illustration with 1960.4.86
Awaiting Rama's Judgment
(Wat Pho in Bangkok)
The noise of their conflict has come to the ears of Phra Ram. Angry that his own officers should be fighting when so much is still to be done, he orders his brother to bring the offenders before him.
Each of the monkeys is brought to Phra Ram under escort and tells his version of the story behind the conflict. So furious do they both become again that their voices rise, and if it were not for their guards they would again be at each other's throats. Phra Ram, however, commands them to be silent and reminds them that the punishment for their crime is not less than death. Hearing this, the monkeys tremble. Sukreep, however, intercedes with Phra Ram, pointing out that the morale of the army might be affected by the loss of so powerful an ally as Hanuman, while Chompoo himself could hardly remain well disposed toward them if his foster son were executed.
Having considered this advice, Phra Ram pronounces judgment.
"Nilapat is to return to Chompoo in disgrace, another general from the monkey city taking his place. Hanuman is to complete the building of the causeway to Longka island within seven days, or his life shall be forfeit," he decrees.
