Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/189

 They assure her they bring no evil tidings; and they tell her they have been sent to fetch Singalang Burong, and desire lier assistance in the matter. Here I may give a specimen of the verbosity of these recitations. Kasulai and Laiang wish to borrow Antu Ribut to,

Nyingkau Lang Tabunau Ka Turau baroh remang. Nempalong Singalang Burong Di tuchong Sandong Tenyalang. Nyern aki Menaul Jugu Ka munggu Nempurong Balang Nauya ka Aki Lang Rimba Ka Lembaba langit Lemengang, Mesan ka aki Lang Buban Di dan Kara Kijang.

"Reach up to Lang Tahunan "At Turan below the clouds. "Strike out to Singalang Burong. "On the top of Sandong Tenyalang, "Call to grandfather Menaul Jugu "On Nempurong Balang hill. "Ask for grandfather Lang Rimba "At Lembaba in the mysterious heavens. "Send for grandfather Lang Buban "On the branch of the Kara Kijang."

These, five beings described as living at five different places all refer to Singalang Burong, who is thus called by many names in order to magnify his greatness, to lengthen the story and fill up time. This is a general feature of all "Mengap." But to go on with the story: Kasulai and Laiang desire Antu Ribut to take the message on because they would not be able to get through "pintu langit" (the door of heaven), whereas she, being wind, would have no difficulty. She could get through the smallest of cracks. At first she objects on the plea of being busy. She is busy blowing through the steep valleys cut out like boats, blowing the leaves and scattering the dust." However at length they prevail upon her, they return and she goes forward: but first she goes up a high tree where she changes her form, drops her personality as a spirit, and becomes natural wind. Upon this everywhere throughout the jungle there arises the sound of mighty rushing wind "like the thunder of a moon-mad waterfall." Everywhere is the sound of driving wind and of falling leaves. She blows in all quarters,

Muput ka langit ngilah bulan Muput ka ili ugilah Santan. Muput ka dalam ai ngilah karangan,