Aku minta’ jangan di-tĕbang.
↑
146
This instrument consisted of a single short joint of bamboo, about nine inches in length by
three inches in diameter, closed at one end only, near which was an orifice into which the
performer blew. These instruments (tuang-tuang) are reported to have been formerly used by
the Langat pirates, and are said to be still used by the Malay fishermen at Bernam, in Selangor,
for calling their boats together. ↑
147
In Selangor a freak of this kind is called samambu bangkut, or “dwarfed (stunted) samambu.”
One of this species belonged to the Sultan, and was kept in a yellow case. Sometimes, whether
through the splitting of the bark on one side or some similar cause, an excrescence like a
gigantic rat-tail will form on one side of the stem, a peculiarity which is believed to give the
stick that is made from it immense value. To merely tap a person in play with one of these
sticks (which are called sĕngat pari or “sting-rays’ tails”) will, it is believed, raise a most
painful weal, whilst to strike a person hard with one would assuredly kill him. A Malacca-cane,
one of whose knots is inverted and the other not, is also considered of great value, being
believed to render the bearer of it invulnerable (jadi pĕlias).—Cp. J.R.A.S., S.B., No. 17, p.
- ↑
148
In Selangor bĕlum sampei is the phrase used. ↑
149
In Selangor rotan manau. ↑
150
Sel. Journ. vol. iii. No. 6, pp. 95, 96. ↑
151
Another Selangor version says that whilst the wife is boiling the stones, the husband is
climbing the Malacca-cane plant (samambu) in order to get to the sky. The husband keeps
calling out, “Are they cooked yet?” (Masak bĕlum?), as in the version just given, and the wife
cries, “Have you reached it yet? Have you reached it yet?” (Sampei bĕlum?) ↑
152
In Selangor it is called Tualang (= ’Toh Alang?) and Sialang (= Si Alang?), and is the tree on
which the wild bees build their nests. ↑
153