Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/95

Rh cannot think; to us the attitude seemed a painfully constrained and awkward one, and it is only, I should fancy, habit which can perfect them in this way of balancing their bodies, as, holding the article they may have been desired to fetch, they crawl from place to place, moving their arms, and never so much as suffering the knee to touch the ground, though within an inch of it.

The royal family were very affable, and conversed with us for some time. After we had been there about half an hour, tea was handed round, with the agreeable accompaniment of milk, an addition which was now made from their better knowledge of European taste.

Several servants, or men about the court, entered the court-yard during our interview, either out of curiosity, or in pursuit of their various avocations. All who came within twenty yards or so of the Pringitan, fell on their knees, and made obeisance to the Susuhunan by raising both hands, clasped