several of these were carrying on similar proceedings in adjoining buildings, in
order that the sick monarch might reap all the benefits to be derived from a
consultation of experts, and as one spirit after another notified his advent by the
upstarting flame of the taper, it was impossible not to feel that one was getting
into the very best society.
FIG. 3.—Sixteen-sided stand used at the invocation of spirits.“Meanwhile a sixteen-sided stand, about six inches high and shaped like this
diagram, had been placed on the floor near the Pâwang’s mat. The stand was
decorated with yellow cloth; in its centre stood an enormous candle, while round
it were gaily-decorated rice and toothsome delicacies specially prized by Jin.
There was just room to sit on this stand, which is called Pĕtrâna panchalôgam
(meaning a seat of this particular shape), and the Sultan, supported by many
attendants, was brought out and sat upon it. A veil was placed on his head, the
various vessels were put in his hands, he spread the rice round the taper,
sprinkled the perfume, and having received into his hand an enormous châdak of
grass, calmly awaited the coming of the Jin Ka-râja-an, while the minstrels
shouted for him with all their might.
“The Sultan sat there for some time, occasionally giving a convulsive shudder,
and when this taper had duly flared up, and all the rites had been performed, His
Highness was conducted back again to his couch, and the Pâwang continued her
ministrations alone.
“Whilst striding across the floor she suddenly fell down as though shot, and it
was explained to me that Israng, the spirit by whom she was possessed, had seen
a dish-cover, and that the sight always frightened him to such an extent that his
Pâwang fell down. The cause of offence was removed, and the performance
continued.
“There are other spirits who cannot bear the barking of a dog, the mewing of a