The pagan tribes of Borneo - Get a Free Blog Here

DAILY LIFE 127
in his sleep, he touches upon local politics at first
delicately; then warming up he speaks more directly
and plainly. He may become much excited and
gesticulate freely, even leaping into the air and
twirling round on one foot with outstretched right
arm in a fashion that directs his remarks to each
and all of the listening circle ; but, even though
he may find occasion to admonish or reproach, or
even hint at a threat, his speech never transgresses
the strictest bounds of courtesy. Having thus
unburdened himself of whatever thoughts and
emotions are evoked by the occasion, he takes from
the attendant Ganymede a bumper cup of spirit
and breaks into song. Standing before his guest
and swinging the cup repeatedly almost to his (the
guest's) lips, he exhorts him in complimentary and
rhyming phrases to accept his remarks in a friendly
spirit, and reminds him of the age and strength of
their family and tribal relations, referring to their
ancestral glories and the proud position in the world
of their common race. At the end of each sentence
all the men of both parties break out into a loud
chorus, repeating the last word or two in deep
long-drawn-out musical cadence. Then, with the
last words of his extemporised song, the chief yields
up the cup to the expectant guest, who, having sat
rigidly and with fixed gaze throughout the address,
takes it in one long draught, while the chorus
swells to a deep musical roar. At this moment
the circle of auditors, if much excited, will spring
to their feet and swell the noise by stamping and
jumping on the resounding planks. The housechief
smilingly strokes his guest from the shoulder
downwards and resumes his seat. The chorus and
commotion die away, and are followed by a moment
of silence, during which the guest prepares to make
his reply in similar fashion. He rises and begins
by naming and lightly touching or pointing to his