As a matter of fact, in his knightly attire, Sumantri looks as majestic and handsome as the Maespati King. They appear to be jambe sinigar, exactly the same. The people in the great courtyard should have remained silent, because the King would soon emerge from the palace. But they cannot contain their admiration, simultaneously cheering and praising Sumantri's good looks. The roar of their cheering voices awaken the campaka and nagakusuma trees to spread the fragrance of their flowers to also join the praise over the good looks of the knight who has suddenly entered the palace courtyard. The King was startled by the cheering. He was also amazed to see Sumantri, now bowing before him to show respect.
"Rise, Sumantri," says the King.
And when Sumantri looks up, the Maespati King is surprised. He feels like he is looking upon his own face. Suddenly, he can no longer distinguish himself from Sumantri.
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> The Bajang Child Swinging the Moon-67
> The Bajang Child Swinging the Moon (66)
Without realizing it, he says, "You are worthy to be a senapati (warlord) of Maespati, Sumantri. You may go on my behalf to Magada, may you succeed in bringing pride to the kingdom of Maespati."
“Daulat (Blessings to you), Your Majesty. I ask for your blessing to depart immediately for Magada," says Sumantri. Then he withdraws from his lord.
Prabu Arjunasasrabahu observes his departure sadly. He actually feels that he does not want Sumantri to go away, especially if he is to die on the battlefield. He does not want to lose Sumantri. He imagines that Sumantri's death would be the same as his own death. He does not understand why such anxiety has come upon him so suddenly. But he cannot deceive himself. He admits in his heart what the people of Maespati secretly know, that in fact their lord truly loves and admires Sumantri.
The sun is scorching when the Maespati troops depart for Magada, led by Sumantri. A giant bende (gong) is beaten repeatedly, emitting a loud sound across the kingdom. The Maespati flag and banners are raised high here and there. The troops stand in a neat line. They bear their own heirlooms, spears, swords, shields, and kris.
The troops form lines according to the color of their livery. The red troops stand together, blazing like the fire in a crater. The whites line up with the whites, like cranes alight with their pure flapping wings. The yellow unite with the yellow, like orioles taking wing together. The black gather with the black, like ferocious crows ready to pounce. The green stand with the green, like new foliage.
In the forefront is Prabu Kalinggapati, the king of Pager Alun, riding on a horse to the right of Prabu Kalinggaprana, the king of Pasir Agung. Both look tall, big, and mighty. Their mustaches are defiant and look frightening. They are followed by soldiers marching all the way to the rear. In the back row are a pair of chariots driven by Prabu Candrakestu from the Dwarangga kingdom and Prabu Suryakestu from the Batawiya kingdom. They both look brave and ready to die on the battlefield. Their chests are broad, their eyes bright.
They are the commanders guarding Maespati's grand senapati, Sumantri, who is in the very rear. Sumantri rides a chariot studded with gold, a flag emblazoned with a chakra as a symbol of his greatness. He tries to overcome his awkwardness. He tries to be elegant on the majestic and beautiful carriage. Indeed, he does look majestic, standing under a manyura umbrella. Reflecting the sunlight, the gold kartika ornaments on his chariot seem to glow amidst the dust kicked up by the trotting horses. The brave soldiers’ steps and the majestic horses’ hooves rumble, their roar beating the strong wind as they accompany the Maespati troop as it sets off for Magada.
For them, Sumantri is not a soldier heading into battle, but a mighty beetle gently stroking the petals of a flower.
Along the way, the people of Maespati cheer their troops as its leaves for battle. Sumantri waves at them. They are in awe of his valor and might. But they are more amazed by his good looks. Especially the women, who are completely fascinated on seeing the handsome Maespati warlord. For them, Sumantri is not a soldier heading into battle, but a mighty beetle gently stroking the petals of a flower. How excited they are to imagine that the beetle might want to suck their nectar. Seeing his charm, they feel as if the roar of battle is the noise of lovemaking. And the dust that blocks their eyes from witnessing his handsomeness is the momentary darkness that precedes their pleasure. They feel pity on imagining that such a handsome man has to go to war. Accompanied by the loud neighs of the horses, the women feel so sad they want to cry and say in their hearts, what use is victory for them if they must lose a man like him.
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> The Bajang Child Swinging the Moon (64)
From the carriage, Sumantri can feel their love and sadness. In fact, he is also proud on sensing their affectionate admiration. But what is the connection between his pride and the fact that he is now a warlord? Then he is ashamed of his pride. But he cannot be separated from his pride and he is suddenly afraid: What if he is no longer able to enjoy his pride because he later dies as a warlord? Atop his splendid chariot, he has to accept that his dream of becoming a warlord was simply futile.
While he is lost in thought, he sees Tumenggung Baudenda approaching his carriage. The old Maespati official keeps his promise by holding out the old shawl. Sumantri smiles in joy. He kisses his favorite scarf, a legacy from his mother that he carries with him wherever he goes. He again smells the affection, which will likely be gone forever soon.
After a long march, Sumantri orders his troops to rest. It is late in the evening when they stop at Rarasati Forest, not far from the border of Magada state. They pitch their tents so they can spend the night comfortably.
In Jatisrana is also a river flowing beneath a valley. He often played at the river with his younger brother Sukrosono.
Meanwhile, Sumantri is seeking a quiet place to be alone. He finds a beautiful valley. He leans under the nagakusama tree, which is in bloom that night. Below the valley flows a clear river. The moon appears slowly. Splashes of water jump up to greet his arrival. The splashing water brings back memories of Jatisrana to Sumantri. In Jatisrana is also a river flowing beneath a valley. He often played at the river with his younger brother Sukrosono.
However, as soon as the memory of Sukrosono comes to mind, he immediately thrusts it away. He feels that now, the memory only gives him pure sorrow. He tries to feel happy with the glory he has been granted. But his efforts are in vain. What happens is that he simply descends goes deeper into his sadness. In fact, at that time, the rajasa, campaka, and bana flowers are in bloom, greeted as they are by the full moon.
(This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo).
