Words of praise
See "KING BY EXAMPLE," front section, page 1
An
important part of a banquet held to honour someone is the speech
detailing the achievements of the person being honoured. Sometimes
these speeches are overdone — so full of praise that they
are embarrassing
both to the honouree and to the audience as a whole.
But if the speech is carefully written and really does capture the "substance" of the person, they can be
very inspiring.
As you read the words of the Sultan of Brunei, I think you will agree
that his speech was definitely in the inspirational category. Read to
see how he captured the substance of the Thai King. overdone – excessive or exaggerated
embarrassing - causing to feel uneasy or ashamed
substance – the main and most significant aspect of something
inspiring – causing you to feel strongly interested and enthusiastic
You can hear the first part of this news story here.KING BY EXAMPLE
Royal visitors praise His Majesty at lavish Diamond Jubilee banquet
The
Sultan of Brunei extolled
His Majesty the King as a source
of inspiration for other monarchs around the
world and of confidence for the Thai people. As the longest-reigning
guest monarch, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah spoke on behalf of the
other royals during the banquet in the Chakri Throne Hall last night.
''We are here, Your Majesty, to honour you and your people and to honour your life as their leader, their inspiration and their revered Head of State,'' he said.
Sultan Bolkiah emphasised that the monarchs and representatives from 25 countries around the world had come to honour the ''substance'' of the King's reign, although they recognised that it is ''one of the longest in history''.
''Its 60 years are not just 60 years in the history of Thailand. They are, in so many ways, the history of our times, the good and the bad, the joyous and the sad, the exciting and the desperate.''
The Sultan said that these years have brought the most rapid and far-reaching changes ever seen in man's history.
''They have challenged every aspect of our existence, above all, as sovereign nations,'' he added.
But at critical moments, the King had risen to the occasion to lead with dignity, wisdom and courage.
''You have never sought to distance yourself from the lives of your people. You have never asked them to be followers or mere subjects. You have shared their joys, fears and disappointments,'' he said.
''You have made them deeply proud of their heritage and their identity. You have made your people feel that the Kingdom of Thailand is indeed their own Kingdom. Above all, I feel you – you have given them confidence.
lavish – very elaborate and impressive, often costing a lot of moneybanquet – a grand formal dinner
Diamond Jubilee – a sixty-year anniversary
extolled – praised enthusiastically
monarch – a king, queen, emperor or empresse
source of inspiration – a person from which you get the desire to achieve something new and creative
longest-reigning – longest ruling
on behalf of – as a representative of
revered – greatly admired and respected
emphasised – stressed
substance – the main and most significant aspect of something
joyous – extremely happy
desperate (of a very bad situation) willing to try anything to change your situation
sovereign – independent
critical moments – times of great importance
rise to the occasion – to be able to deal successfully with the situation
dignity – calm, controlled and worthy of admiration
wisdom – using your experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions or judgments
courage – not afraid to do something difficult or dangerous
mere – only (in the sense of being unimportant)
subjects – people who belong to a country, especially one ruled by a king or queen
heritage – the qualities, traditions, or feature of life of a country that have continued over many years
identity – things that set them apart or more them different from all others
You can hear the last part of this news story here.
''Much of this
comes from Your Majesty's own personal achievements. These have rightly
been a source of great inspiration to your people whether academic,
artistic and scientific, or in the most human of terms the simple
example of a good and loving father.''
These achievements – recognised by the United Nations Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on the King last month – explained why the King also carries the title ''The Great''.
But the monarchs have a ''simpler title that expresses our feelings,'' he said.
''You are Our Friend and Our Most Respected Colleague,'' he added.
''You inspire us all and we, Your Majesty's peers and admirers, honour you most deeply for this,'' the Sultan said.
Attending the celebration had been ''a privilege'' he added, thanking the government for organising the events.
The Sultan spoke after the King led a toast to the royal guests. The King said their journey to the celebration was an ''auspicious sign'' of the friendship between their countries and Thailand.
The speeches followed dinner prepared by one of the country's top hotels with advice from Grand Chamberlain Khwankeo Vajarodaya, who is also an expert in fine cuisine.
Produce from the Royal Project contributed to the menu featuring horse crab and crayfish, roast veal, steamed rainbow trout, and apple charlotte with lavender ice cream. The banquet was a first for the Barommarajasathit Mahoran Throne Hall, built in 2004 as an extension of the Chakri Throne Hall.
The royal guests will be treated to another dinner today at Government House.
conferred on (of an honour or an award) given tocolleague – a pereson you work with, especially in the same profession
peers – people of the same age or who have the same status as you
privilege – a special advantage or benefit
toast – to drink some wine or other kind of drink as a symbolic action for someone, in order to show your appreciation of them or to wish them success
auspicious – indicating that success is likely
Grand Chamberlain – a person who is in charge of the household affairs of a king or queen
cuisine – a style of cooking; food served in a restaurant, especially a fine restaurant
produce – food or other things that are grown in large quantities to be sold
extension – an addition to an existing building