The History of Java, v. 1-2

by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles

Should neither of these sentences be carried into effect, the Jáksa ought, at all events, to be banished the country.

This punishment, however, may be mitigated by the Rája, who, having compassion on the Jáksa, may recal him after one year's exile.

Should the Rája suffer to pass unpunished such a total dereliction of duty on the part of the Jáksa, as stated, difficulty and distress will necessarily arise in those times.

II.

The establishment fixed by Sáng Prábu for the Jáksa consisted of twelve persons, viz. two Jejénangs, two writers, six Máta Mátas, and two men whose business is to be in constant attendance on the court.

The fees authorised to be taken by the Jáksa from persons who have any business to settle, are forty-four for the Jáksa himself, three thousand for the Jejénangs, eight thousand for the writers, one thousand for those in attendance in the court, and eight thousand for and on account of the state. That for the Panghúlu is left to the liberality of the party.

If the Jáksa shall not conform in practice to what is here laid down, it is required that he be disgraced and branded in the common market-place.

If any one shall find fault with the conduct of the Jáksa, without being able to substantiate his charges against him, and shall make the same public, that person shall be fined agreeably to the rank and quality of the accused, viz. fifteen thousand (pichis).[295] The reason of so large a sum being awarded is, because the Jáksa is the chief of the Mántris.

The Bopáti is, as it were, the door to the Jáksa, the Kabáyan that to the Bopáti, and the Panghúlu that to the Raja. These four form a body, through which every thing is minutely investigated.

Let it be understood, that the Raja, who fills so exalted and conspicuous a situation, is not without something to do. What he says is the result of observation and deliberation. His disposition and way of thinking is that which he has received at the hands of the Almighty, who dwelleth where no one knoweth, at whose hands the wicked will meet with their deserts.