554 
ACCOUNT OF SULU. 
*the most prudent, but it is, undoubtedly, the least honourable 
custom. 
Many of the vices which disgrace this country, are, it is said, 
of late date, and do not yet universally prevail. The eastern 
part of Sulu, it is pretended, still retains the simplicity of ancient 
manners, and theft is unknown amongst them, they are the least 
polished, but are held the bravest on the island; Paraug, on the 
contrary, is equally famous for theft, murder, and a pusilanimous 
disposition. 
Some of the natives have acknowledged the ill-disposition of 
their countrymen, in a point where they are undoubtedly the best 
judges, though very many instances are not wanting to observation, 
in confirmation of the justice of their condemnation. This is in a 
mean invidious disposition, which is an enemy to industry and 
every virtue, for it is considered as sufficient cause of animosity, 
if any one, by good fortune, or assiduity, obtains a portion of 
property, or a degree of any virtue superior to his fellows; 
they exclaim, in that case, against him, with all the exiguous 
malevolence of envy, and take pleasure in doing him an injury; 
perhaps even in depriving him of life; such a disposition, of all 
others, has the worst influence on society, by discouraging every 
thing that is praiseworthy. 
I may perhaps run the hazard of incurring the ridicule of some, 
if, to the other causes of the flagitiousness of manners, I add the 
want of religion amongst them, for although they are Mahometans 
by profession, they are extremely ignorant of that morality and 
justice which their law enjoins; indeed, few of them can read, 
and still fewer are inclined to study the Koran ; so that they may 
possibly mistake old customs, for virtues, delivered down from 
their ancestors. 
Human nature seems nearly the same in every religion and 
climate. Customs and accidents make, in particulars, an obvious 
difference, but, as the Psalmist says, “The imagination of man’s 
heart is eviland at the bottom the generality merit an equal 
contempt and abhorrence; they who paint man in fine colours, 
either are deceived, or mean to deceive others; the only engaging ■ 
ties in humanity are the few, the very few, who have souls 
expanded with the remains of virtue; these preserve the system, 
and are the link of society; and such are every where to be met 
with. I acknowledge such there are at Sulu, but in the same 
scarcity as in other countries ; nor, when it is remembered, ten 
would have saved Sodom, will it be wondered, if I only mention 
by name Dato Saraphodin, Panglima Milaham, and to do justice 
to the memory of the dead, once Hato Mahomed Bandhara. Let 
us add, since 
All our praises why should Lords engross, 
Oran Ky Mallick, and Bahatol the old Sulu fisherman.* 
* I am far from insinuating that none other of the Snlus deserved] to come into 
