OF THE MALAY PENINSULA. 
161 
sickness from entering the Sultan's premises; the fact 
proved that these barriers were an insufficient guard against 
sickness; since it has not only entered in spite of these 
fruitless precautions, but had even attacked so severely the 
Sultan's son; but in return it was obliged to pay dear for 
the guilt of its unlawful entrance ; several persons from time 
to time took brooms and struck the air intending to chastise 
and trying to cast out this obstinate and troublesome guest'; 
Jong formularies were also delivered, but I could not under¬ 
stand the meaning of them, nor remark exactly the other 
superstitions which were performed on the occasion. We 
stood outside preparing and taking our dinner. About six 
o’clock being called by the Sultan we were admitted to an 
audience in the verandah; the Mahomedan priest of the 
place and many other persons were present. The Sultan 
was dressed in red silk pantaloons laced with gold, and in a 
baju of a brown colour. After having stated the purpose of 
our journey we entered into a friendly conversation, which, 
changing from one topic to another, fell finally upon the 
Mahomedan religion. Though the Sultan is a disciple of 
Mahomed he appears to have very little confidence in the 
supposed prophet; the way in which he ridiculed several 
Mahomedan laws and customs shows that he pays very little 
attention to the practices which are so religiously kept by 
other Malays. Tbe Malay priest appeared to be much dis¬ 
satisfied with the behaviour of the Sultan on the occasion, 
though he did not reply by any objection ; his silence pos¬ 
sibly was the effect of his incapacity, for I remarked in 
conversation I had with him, that he was a very stupid man. 
However, 1 am very far from approving the conduct of the 
Sultan on that occasion. In my humble opinion when we 
see our neighbour in error or in what we think error, it is 
by reasoning, and not by laughing, we must undertake to 
shew him the truth, and try to draw him away from his 
error; since experience proves that the contrary way has 
ordinarily no other effect, but to excite anger, and to in¬ 
crease prejudices, by which his state will become more 
pitiful. 
We passed the night in the place where we had received 
audience. The next day we inquired about the Jkkuns 
and we saw a few of them. After which, having consi¬ 
dered that our provisions both of money, and of victuals 
were nearly ended, we proposed to return hack to Malacca, 
where we arrived in five days, on the 24th of July, being the 
eighteenth day after our departure from that place. 
T 
