Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/173

Rh which they wore, soon became tired of their task, and exhibited a very fagged appearance. Six girls, who had already taken part in the first dance, again appeared. A table covered with white was placed in the centre of the Pringitan, and a vase of flowers was put on it by an old duenna, who, every now and then, rearranged the dress of the dancers, or smoothed out their tangled hair. The variety of their movements showed that this was a scenic performance.

In order that we might be able to understand their pantomimic gestures, I inquired what it was they meant to represent; and, in reply, was told the following romantic story, the foundation of the ballet:

In ages gone by, there lived a king known as Praboe Sindolo, Mendaugkamolan, who, when very young. determined to abandon the world. For this purpose he lived in a hut, or cave, on the top of a mountain, where he was in the constant