If one has not gold in one’s girdle,
One must make over one’s person to begin with.A. If there are no rĕngas trees growing on the Point,
You must take banyan-wood for the sides of your trays;
If you have no gold in your girdle,
You need not hope to get Somebody’s daughter.Q. Thousands are the supports required
For the stem of the sago-palm to recline upon;^71
Though it be thousands I would accept the debt
So I be betrothed to Somebody’s daughter.A. My head-kerchief has fallen into the sea,
And with it has fallen my oar-ring;^72
I stretch out my hand in token of acceptance,
Though I have naught wherewith to requite you.Q. Oar-ring or no,
The lĕnggundi bush grows apace in the thatch channels.
Whether it is well to go slowly or no,
It is the favour you have shown me that subdues my heart.”If, however, there is a hitch in the proceedings, and the parties commence to lose
their temper, the stanzas may end very differently; for instance, the girl’s father
or representative will say:—
“A. My lord has gone up-stream
To get his clothes and wash out the dye.^73
If that is all, let it alone for the present;
If there is anything else you will always find me ready.Q. ’Che Dol Amat’s mango-tree
When it fell rolled into the swamp.
If I cannot get what I want by peaceful means,
Look that you be not hit in the war of strategy.