Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/296

278 been destroyed by Mahomedan invaders in the reign of the Sultan Brodwidjoyo, 1400. The site is now thickly surrounded by wood, and such is the veneration of the natives for all that remains of the town which they believe once to have been the capital of their forefathers, that, in their opinion, the birds always sing sweeter in this locality than in any other.

A man in one of the adjoining provinces had a Morobo, which had been caught in a wood by his son. This songster, much thought of, like all birds from Modjophait, was perfectly white, and consequently rare and valuable. Some wealthy prince, hearing of the wonderful little creature, offered its owner a large sum for it, which he refused. This royal personage, however, not yet despairing of gaining the object he so much desired, despatched a second messenger with four pure white and four jet black horses from his own stables.