THE emperor's RECEPTION. 241 



liolding up a golden vessel, similar to the Indian lota ; 

 in the other hand she held a silver " sirih " box, both 

 used in connection with betel chewino-, one of her 

 lord's weaknesses ; and two or three dwarfs and jesters 

 squatted down at the foot of a column. Facing the 

 Emperor crouched the princes of the royal blood, some 

 thirty to forty in number, with eyes downcast and hands 

 joined as if in prayer, sitting upon their heels with 

 the knee barely touching the ground. These wore the 

 same blue topi, a purple velvet jacket, and a short 

 sarong to the knee, diamond earrings, and a bouquet of 

 brilliants fastened by a large comb to the knot of the 

 back hair. The Emperor likewise indulged in a liberal 

 display of jewels all over his person ; and in his sash, 

 he carried, as also did the princes, the kriss, a short 

 sword, and a dagger, both weapons richly ornamented. 

 Besides, some hundreds of chiefs and nobles crowded the 

 hall, who saluted his Majesty by joining their hands, 

 with fingers outstretched, and drawing them slowly 

 down from the forehead until the thumbs touched 

 the tip of the nose, and then gently withdrew 

 them. Presently pawn was handed round, and the 

 ladies, — seventy-eight, as far as I could count, — from 

 cafe-au-lait to bronze complexion, some very handsome, 

 others old and ugly, were admitted to the hall in front 

 of the screen, where they squatted down very con- 



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