Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/54

36 pillars on either side denoting that it was once a place of ingress. Immediately above it is an object somewhat resembling at the first glance a cannon-ball, transfixed to the top of the wall by a spear; but on examining it more closely, we discovered that the supposed cannon-ball was in reality a human skull, all now remaining of one Peter Elberfeld, thickly plastered over to protect it from the influence of time and weather. Immediately below the transfixed skull, we observed a tablet, bearing the following long inscription in the Dutch language:

"Uik eene verfoeyelyke gedachtenise tegen den gestraften landverrader, Pieter Elberfeld, zal niemand vermogen ter dezer plaatse to boumen, Simmeren, metselem, planten. nu, of tenccurrige, dage. Batavia, den 22nd April, 1722."

The translation of this is as follows:—

"In consequence of the detested memory of Peter Elberfeld, who was punished for treason, no one shall be permitted to build in wood, or stone, or to plant anything whatsoever in these grounds, from this time forth for evermore!"