6b Malay peoveubs. 



A poetical challenge sent by a Perak chief to an adversary. 

 It led to tragical consequences and has now passed into a 

 proverb in the country. The chief in question was a former 

 Shahbandar, to whom one Panglima Prang Smahon com- 

 plained of an alleged insult to his family. The Shahbandar 

 answered in the pieceding lines. A few days later the 

 Panglima Prang, with three companions, watched for him 

 on the river bank and killed him as he was returning to his 

 house after ablution before the maghrib prayers. 



283. Kalau getah melillli kalau dauii melayang. 

 " Gutta trickles down, but a leaf is wafted away." 



The substantial remains, bat the worthless disappears. 

 One man leaves behind him solid proof of his character, while 

 another vanishes like a withered leaf and is missed by no 

 one. 



28 A. K$sat daim pimpin, Jcalau kesat clmn labubulvh-di 

 clielor. 



" The pimp in leaf is rough to the touch ; so is the pumpkin 

 leaf, but the latter may be boiled (for food)." 



There is all the difference in the world in the view we 

 take of strangers and that in which we regard our own 

 relations. The former, however well we may come to know 

 them, can never be like our own blood, while with the latter, 

 even though estrangement take place reconciliation is al- 

 ways possible. Daun pimpin, is described as a hard, rough 

 leaf which no immersion in boiling water will render less 

 rough and hard. 



Gkelor. To immerse in boiling water: to cook by boiling 

 when the thing to be cooked is plunged in water already at 

 the boil ; unlike rebus which is to boil something put into the 

 water when cold. 



The Malays are great observers of ties of relationship. 

 Family connections however distant are recognised. The 

 difference to a man between his relations and persons not 

 connected with him hj blood or- marriage is, they say, as the 

 difference between Hesh and fish ; " sa'busoh-busoh daging 

 basoh gincha bulih makau, kalau busoh ilcan buang sakali" 

 meat may be eatable though a little high, but fish if at all 

 spoilt inust be thrown away at once. 



