Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 2.djvu/65

 OP THE MALAYS, 51 origin of the third is too obvious to be insisted upon ; and that of the fourth is traced to the in- timate connection which, in modern times, has ex- isted between the Malays and the people of Telin- ga, in the progress of which, many of the latter have settled and colonized among the former, ex- ercising among them, in many respects, the prero- gatives of superior civilization and endowment. A literal or faithful translation from any lan- guage is not attempted. Perhaps the extremely opposite genius of the Malay and languages of continental Asia especially, would be hostile to such an undertaking. Were it othei'wise, the care- less and inaccurate Malays would be found inca- pable of accomplishing a work demanding a labour and precision, which is very adverse to the genius of their character. I shall select, as a specimen of their prose com- position, an extract from the story of Hang Tuah, Laksimana, or admiral of the- King of Malacca, upon the invasion of Albuquerque, the same chief whose gallantry and patriotism are commemorated by the Portuguese historians. The work affords us but mere glimpses of true history, and is full of fable, anachronism, and discrepancy, but deserves some consideration for the naked fidelity with which it paints the manners of the Malays of the time.
 * Satalla sudah, maka minuman pula di angkat