Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/170

 154 LIFE IN JAVA.

sound, " like water drops trained into melody." As Javanese music is always extemporary, the measure is almost invariably common time; though, in some of the allegro and presto passages, the beat is what musicians would term a two-four time.

Before the dances commenced, six vocalists rose up, conducted by one who appeared the leader, and who sang from a manuscript which had been written by the Prince at the express order of the Sultan. The subject was a eulogium on the last review of his Majesty's troops. The instrument sometimes kept time with the song, but as the ac- companiment was altogether improvised, they more frequently appeared to forget the air which ought to have been the foundation of their variations. The first dance was performed by six young girls, two of whom were the daughters of the Prince, and the others their relatives. They came from the house which was at the back, and walked with stately

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