Page 19 - Malay sketches

THE REAL MALAY

and is consequently a gossip. He is a Muhammadan
and a fatalist, but he is also very superstitious. He
never drinks intoxicants, he is rarely an opium-
smoker. But he is fond of gambling, cock-fighting,
and kindred sports. He is by nature a sportsman,
catches and tames
elephants, is a skilful fisherman,
and thoroughly at home in a boat. Above all
he is conservative to a is and
things, degree, proud
fond of his country and his people, venerates his
ancient customs and traditions, fears his Rajas, and
has a proper respect for constituted authority
while he looks askance on all and will
innovations,
resist their sudden introduction. But if he has time
to examine them carefully, and they are not thrust
upon him, he is willing to be convinced of their
advantage. At the same time he is a good imitative
learner, and, when he has energy and ambition
enough for the task, makes a good mechanic. He
to a is without method or
is, however, lazy degree,
order of any kind, knows no regularity even in the
hours of his meals, and considers time as of no im-

portance. His house is untidy, even dirty, but he
bathes twice a day, and is very fond of personal
adornment in the shape of smart clothes.
A Malay is intolerant of insult or slight ; it is
something that to him should be wiped out in
3