MALAY PROVERBS. 43 



wanting-. But then it must be remembered that some of 

 these Malay phrases are capable of being divided into two or 

 three or more, only one of which is perhaps quoted at one time. 

 No. 174 is one of these, No. 227 is another. It will be observed 

 that many of these Malay sayings are in couplets; one line 

 of which may sometimes be quoted independently of the 

 other, without impairing the sense. In others the point of 

 the couplets lies in the antithesis, and both lines are essential 

 to the meaning. 



Arrangement is of course a difficulty in a collection of 

 this sort. An analysis of proverbs and maxims grouped 

 under appropriate headings was not to be attempted. Al- 

 phabetical order has been followed where possible. 



As to the proverbs themselves I think I may fairly claim 

 for the Malays that their sayings, besides being pointed and 

 idiomatic, sometimes embody thoughts and ideas well worthy 

 of Western races. Pride and honour are impressed in such 

 maxims as Bir puteh tuldng jangan puteli mata, "Let the 

 bones whiten but not the eyes" (No. 230J, and Mahu hah orang 

 mcnghujankan govramnia (No. 170) "Will a man put his salt 

 out in the rain," (i. e. expose his family secret to public 

 ridicule). "Do not worship the rich or contemn the poor " 

 (No. 210) is a maxim worthy of the free and independent 

 spirit of the Malay, and I know no Oriental race who carry 

 it out better in practice. Sneers at the assumption of the 

 nouveau riclie, and instances of a truly conservative belief in 

 good blood and good breeding are plentiful. The successful 

 adventurer is the "blind man who has just found his sight " 

 (No. 20). Kachang Iwpakan kulit, "The bean forgets its pod," 

 (No. 1 26) conveys a similar sarcasm aimed at the meanness 

 which would attempt to conceal a humble origin. So "A 

 broom bound with silk thread" (No. 100) is the most in- 

 dulgent comparison which a Malay can find for a person 

 dressed above his rank. 



The sound practical sense of English proverbs, such as 

 that which teaches that " a stitch in time saves nine," or 

 that other which recommends " honesty" on the score of 

 its being " the best policy/' is not conspicuous among the 

 Malays, but, on the other hand, we find treachery and bad 

 faith, characteristics with which Malays have been credited 

 for generations, often condemned by themselves (See Nos. 

 137, 143). That they are not wanting in diplomatic cunning 

 is perhaps shewn by proverbs like (No. 165) Muka berpan- 



