CHAP. XL.] IN THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO. 443 



These are the main features of his moral nature, and ex- 

 hibit themselves in every action of his life. 



Children and women are timid, and scream and run at 

 the unexpected sight of a European. In the company of 

 men they are silent, and are generally quiet and obedient. 

 When alone the Malay is tacitiirn; he neither talks nor 

 sings to himself When several are paddling in a canoe, 

 they occasionally chant a monotonous and plaintive song. 

 He is cautious of giving offence to his equals. He does 

 not quarrel easily about money matters ; dislikes asking 

 too frequently even for payment of his just debts, and will 

 often give them up altogether rather than quarrel with his 

 debtor. Practical joking is utterly repugnant to his dis- 

 position ; for he is particularly sensitive to breaches of 

 etiqiiette, or any interference with the personal liberty of 

 himself or another. As an example, I may mention that 

 I have often found it very difficult to get one Malay 

 servant to waken another. He will call as loud as he can, 

 but will hardly touch, much less shake his comrade. I 

 have frequently had to waken a hard sleeper myself when 

 on a land or sea journey. 



The higher classes of Malays are exceedingly polite, and 

 have all the quiet ease and dignity of the best-bred Euro- 

 peans. Yet this is compatible with a reckless cruelty and 

 contempt of human life, which is the dark side of their 

 character. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that 



