Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/217

 JAVANESE TKADITION. 201

Sukorini betrayed ^'eat astonishment and vexation, as each trial was followed by the same ill-success ; and the courtiers, doctors, and people whispered together, or exchanged glances Avhich seemed to say, " I am not surprised ; I never l)elieved in this tale al)0ut the medicine, it was only told to divert the mind of the poor king."

At this moment a messenger came to the foot of the throne, and after making a profound obeisance, said there was an old blind man at the palace gate who craved leave to speak a few words to his majesty.

" Let him be admitted," said the king, for the old man was a well-known seer, and much resjn'cted by all the coui't. On being led up to the king, he was told to spt'ak, and stretching out his wrinkled hand, he said, in a tremulous voice

"I'liou, king, wilt still live the cm'e is indeed here, but it has been served with foul hands!"

When he ceased speaking, as though to gain

�� �