Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/188

 "We have a strong one, the marrow of whose bones never wastes. "We have one swifter than a bullet of molten lead. "We have one more piercing than the sumpitan with ringed endings. "Sampurè we will order to gather companions and fetch the guests to the feast."

So Sampurè is ordered to fetch Singalang Burong who lives on the top of a hill called "Sandong Tenyalang," But Sampurè begs to be excused on account of illness; upon which Kasulai (the moth) and Laiang (the swallow) offer themselves for the work, with much boasting of their activity and swiftness. With one bound they can clear the space between the earth and the clouds crossing the skies." So they speed on their way. Midway to the skies they come to the house of "Ini Manang," (Grandmother Doctor) who asks the meaning of their hurried arrival covered with dirt and perspiration. "Who is sick of the fever? Who is at the point of death? I have no time to go down to doctor them."

Agi lelak aku nehu Baru pulai ari tuchong langgong Sanyandang Di-injau Unang Betebang batang pisang raia.

"I am still weary, O grandchild, "Am just come back from plain-topped Sanyandang, "Having been borrowed by Umang "To cut down the grand plantain tree."

They answer that they are not come to ask her to exercise her medical skill, but simply to inquire how far it is to the country of Salulut Antu Ribut, (the spirit of the winds.) Ini Manang joking gives them this mystifying direction. "If you start early in the dark morning you will be a night on the way. If you start this evening you will get there at once." Whether this reply helped them or not they get to their destination at last; and the Wind Spirit accosts them.

Nama siduai agi bepetang, agi malam? Bangat bepagi belam-lam? Dini bala bisi ngunja menoa? Dini antu ti begugu nda jena baka?

"Why come you while it is still dark, still night? "So very early in the dawn of morning? "Where is there a hostile army invading the country? "Where are there thundering spirits in countless numbers?