Malay Magic _ Being an introduction to the - Walter William Skeat

withinchamber   (=bilek?)search forme

9 10 11 12

ping’dah’ning ’dah

got clear(?)got

13

hilang.

disappear.

The meaning of this formula (as is the case with so many “nursery” rhymes) is
very obscure, several words being unintelligible or at least doubtful. It is,

however, the regular formula used for such games and is quite common.^175

Chan chan siku rembat is a game which I saw played in Selangor as follows:—

The intending players stood in a row, looking straight in front of them, but with
their hands behind their backs, whilst another boy, who had a piece of wood in
his hand, walked down the line touching their hands and counting as he went the
words of the following refrain:—

1 2 3 4

chanchansikurembat

5 6 7 8

buah lalu di-b’lakang

the fruit   (or ball)is passingbehind   (you)

9 10 11 12

mata pĕjam tangan lihat

your    eyes(are)   closed(but  your)   handsees!

13 14 15 16

siapa chĕpat dia mĕlompat

whoever(is) nimble(let) himtake the leap.