17^ Malays of Ceylon. 
imaginary injury, they make no hesitation to sacrifice tiieir own 
life in taking away that of the object they have marked out for 
vengeance, they often do incredible mischief with the weapons 
which they wear about them. These consist of a kind of dag- 
ger, called a hreese or crisse; the blade of which is of the 
best tempered steeb and often made of a serpentine form, so 
as to inflict a most dreadful wound. The handle is of ivory 
or wood, carved into the figure of a man’s body and arms, 
with a head representing something between that of a man and 
a bird. This they call their Siuammy or god ; and to this 
figure they make their salam, or obeisance, before they draw" 
the kreese to execute any bloody purpose on which they have 
determined. After they have by this ceremony confirmed their 
vow, they draw their kreese, and never again sheath it till they 
have drenched it in blood. So resolute is this ferocious deter- 
mination, that if their adversary is placed beyond tlie reach of 
their vengeance, sooner than infringe it, they will plunge the 
dagger into the body of a pig, a dog, a chicken, or any live 
animal they chance to meet. The scabbard is made of wood, 
frequently ornamented with gold or silver wire : and the whole 
appearance of the weapon, as well as the mode of w'earing it 
on the right side, greatly resembles that found in the ancient 
dress of the Celtic nations. This terrible instrument is ren- 
dered still more so by its being always poisoned ; generally by 
the juice of some poisonous herbs, and, among those who can 
by any means procure it, wdth poison from the Upa tree. 
In the use of their fatal weapon they are particularly dexti’ous, 
and, like other barbarians, make no scruple to employ treachery 
or surprise in destroying their enemies. They generally watch 
their opportunity, and stab their victim in the back or shoulder 
