3IALAY PROVERBS. 137 



There is a refined cynicism about this piece of wisdom, 

 hardly to be expected from Perak Malays, from whom never- 

 theless I got it. The third line which recommends a display 

 of temper being reserved for those who love ns best is espe- 

 cially admirable. The idea of the whole is " apply where yon 

 are most likely to succeed." 



65. Eetali menanti pechah. 

 The cracked will break. 



Ready to part company at any moment, and waiting only 

 for a decent excuse. Said of two companions, or of a chief 

 and adherent, one of whom wants to break with the other, 

 and only awaits an opportunity. 



66. Ringan tulang, brat prut. 



Light bones, full stomach. 



The active man will always have enough to eat. 

 Ringan tulang signifies energy, activity. 



67. Ringan sama menjinjing, brat sama memikul. 



Alike to carry (in the hand) light burdens : alike to shoul- 

 der heavy loads. 



To share together whatever befalls, whether good or evil 

 fortune. To stand or fall together. Used in allusion to the 

 treatment of children of one family, who ought to be treated 

 with impartiality by their parents. One should not have 

 all the light loads, and another all the heavy ones. 



68. Rumah sudah, paliat berbunyi. 



The sound of the chisel is heard after the house is com- 

 pleted. 



Means : the re-opening of a matter which ought to be 

 considered finally settled. To start an objection too late. 



69. Seperti ay am pat ok anahiia. 

 As a hen pecks her chickens. 



A rule to decide the degree of punishment allowable in Ma- 

 lay nurseries. Maternal correction should not be too severe. 

 The hen does not kill her chickens outright, but merely 

 gives an occasional peck to those which misbehave. 



