Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/132

 : 20. Bongkokbharu betul, buta bharu chetik.

"The hunchback has become straight, and the blind has recovered his sight." A very common proverb, used ironically of a man who has risen from obscurity to a good position, and in his prosperity turns his back on his old friends.


 * 21. Begimana bungi gendang, begitulah tari-nya.

"As is the cadence of the tabor, so must the measure of the dance be." The idea intended to be conveyed is, I believe, that a man has to regulate his conduct according to the orders he gets from his superiors. As the step has to be adapted to the music, so the influence of those in power necessarily affects the conduct of their subordinates. Among the Malays, as among other Eastern nations, a small drum beaten by the hands is a prominent feature in all musical entertainments. Two kinds in common use are called gendang and cabana. Sometimes the time (in dancing) is marked by clapping the hands (tepuk) or striking two pieces of bamboo togther (kerchap).

A common version of this proverb is "Begimana tepuk bugitu lari."


 * 22. Búnga dipetek, perda ditendang.

"The flower is plucked, the stalk trampled under foot." To take the sweet and leave the sour. Said of a man who ill-treats his mother-in-law.


 * 23. Búmi mâna yang tiada kena hujan.

"Were is the spot on the earth that does not get moistened by rain?"

There is no mortal who does not commit sin at some time or other. A common repartee of Malay wives scolded for some short-coming; it amounts to "I'm no worse than anybody else, every one must do wrong sometimes."


 * 24. Burong terbang dipipis lada.

"To grind pepper for a bird on the wing." One of the first processes of Malay cookery is to grind up the spices, etc. with which the dish is to be seasoned. The proverb ridicules making preparations for the disposal of something not yet in one's power. It is strongly suggestive of the old injunction "first catch your hare."


 * 25. Bergantong tiada bertali.

"To hang without a rope." To be without visible means of support; e. g. a Malay woman, deserted but not divorced by her husband, who cannot remarry and has no one to support her.