Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/134

 kind called brok.) The judge decided that the fruit must be divided, but no sooner was this done than one of the suitors complained that the other's share was too large. To satisfy him the monkey reduced the share of the other by the requisite amount which he ate himself. Then the second suitor cried out that the share of the first was now too large. It had to be reduced to satisfy him, the subtracted portion going to the monkey as before. Thus they went on wrangling until the whole of the fruit was gone and there was nothing left to wrangle about. Malay judges, if they are not calumniated, have been known to protract proceedings until both sides have exhausted their means in bribes. In such cases the unfortunate suitors are said to berhakim kapada brok.


 * 34. Tanam tebu di bibir mulut.

"To plant sugar cane on the lips." To cultivate a plausible manner concealing under it a false heart.


 * 35. Tiâda akan pisang berbuah dua kali.

"The plantain does not bear fruit twice." A hint to importunate people, who, not satisfied with what has been given to them, ask for more.


 * 36. Tiâdakah gajuk yang begitu besar diam didalam hutan rimba itu dapat ka-langan manusia?

"Does not the elephant, whose size is so great and which inhabits the recesses of the forest, fall into the hands of mankind?" A sententious reflection on the superiority of mind to matter, intellect to brute force.


 * 37. Tanam lalang ta'kan tumboh padi.

"If you plant lalang grass you will not get a crop of rice." A man must expect to reap as he sows.


 * 38. Tangan menetak bahu memikul.

"The hand is chopping (wood) while the shoulder is bearing a load." Said of a man who makes money in several ways or who has various employments.


 * 39. Ta-kan harimau makan anak-nya.

"The tiger will not eat its own cubs.'

The Raja will not order the death of one of his own children.

I do not know how to reconcile this proverb with a statement in Major MeNair's book, "Sarong and Kris," (p. 124) that "the male tiger devours his own offspring whenever he