Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/246

 230 LIFE IN JAVA.

own son, who, on the demise of his father, ascended the throne. The white king was doubtless the King of Holland ; and thus one of our old sayings, which in olden times puzzled the heads of priests and learned men, is now fulfilled : ' The patme^ though a castaway, will eventually sway the sceptre of Java.'"

This cunningly-devised story, as will be observed, might apply equally well to any European nation, but one cannot help admiring their adroitness in concluding it to moan the one to whose rule they are compelled to svibmit. The sacred books, called the Joyoboyo, appear to have been written by the Sultan Agong, some of whose sayings, or prophe- cies, have come true, or, at least, have met with wonderful coincidences, whilst othei's are still shrouded in mystery.

When we came in view of Wonosobo and Bafjelano;, we found the sawahs so numerous, and so swollen with rain, that, from a distance, they

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