Nirat Phu Khao Thong - Sunthorn Phu

Near to, I could smell the King's scent,
Sweetly rend'ring the air at hand:
The King died, tasteless became the land
He died, and scentless my own fate.

In the Palace His ashes in an urn,
I in turn my merit dedicate
To Him, and the Majesty in state
For a great and glorious reign.

---

Sunthorn Phu [Phra Sunthorn Vohara] (1786 - 1855) Thailand
Translated by M.G. Chand Chirayu Rajani
Source: Thai poetry translation: a review and some new examples by M.G. Chand Chirayu Rajani

Wat Phu Khao Thong (Ayutthaya)
from WikiMedia Commons

Wat Phu Khao Thong or Golden Mountain Temple, at Ayutthaya, was built in 1387 by King Ramesuan. The chedi (pointed tower) at the same site was started in the mid 16th century and finished in 1584, commemorating Ayutthaya's newly declared independence at Mueang Khreng. King Boromakot had the chedi rebuilt in 1744, which can still be seen today. Which of the kings this poem refers to is uncertain!