The Malay archipelago : the land of the orang-utan ... - Wallace Online

448 THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO. [chap.tractive, and leads the observer to think that the ferocious andbloodthirsty character inijiuted to the race must be grossly exaggerated.He is not demonstrative. His feelings of surprise,admiration, or fear, are never openly manifested, and are probablynot strongly felt. He is slow and deliberate in speech,and circuitous in introducing the subject he has come expresslyto discuss. These are the main features of his moral nature, andexhibit themselves in every action of his life.Children and women are timid, and scream and run at theunexpected sight of a EurojDean. In the company of men theyare silent, and are generally quiet and obedient. When alonethe Malay is taciturn ; he neither talks nor sings to himself.When several are paddling in a canoe, they occasionally chanta monotonous and plaintive song. He is cautious of givingoffence to his equals. He does not quarrel easily about moneymatters ; dislikes asking too frequently even for payment of hisjust debts, and will often give them ujd altogether rather thanquarrel with his debtor. Practical joking is utterly reiaugnantto his disposition ; for he is particularly sensitive to breachesof etiquette, or any interference with the personal liberty ofhimself or another. As an example, I may mention that I haveoften found it very difficult to get one Malay servant to wakenanothei'. He will call as loud as he can, but will hardly touch,much less shake, his comrade. I have frequently had to wakena hard sleejoer myself wlien on a land or sea journey.The higher classes of Malays are exceedingly polite, and haveall the quiet ease and dignity of the best-bred Eui'opeans. Yetthis is compatible with a reckless cruelty and contempt ofhuman life, which is the dark side of their character. It is notto be wondered at, therefore, that different persons give totallyojiposite accounts of them—one praising them for their sobei*-ness, civility, and good-nature ; another abusing them for theirdeceit, treachery, and cruelty. The old traveller, Nicolo Conti,writing in 1430, says :" The inhabitants of Java and Sumatraexceed eveiy other people in cruelty. They regard killing aman as a mere jest ; nor is any punishment allotted for such adeed. If any one purchase a new sword, and wish to try it, hewill thrust it into the breast of the first person he meets. Thepassers-by examine the wound, and praise the skill of the personwho inflicted it, if he thrust in the weapon direct." Yet Drakesays of the south of Java :" The people (as are their kings) area Aery loving, true, and just-dealing people ; " and Mr. Crawfurdsays that the Javanese, whom he knew thoroughly, are " a peaceable,docile, sober, simple, and industrious people." Barbosa, onthe other hand, who saw them at Malacca about 16G0, says :" They are a people of great ingenuity, very subtle in all theirdealings ; very malicious, great deceivers, seldom .sjDeaking thetruth;prepared to do all manner of wickedness, and ready tosacrifice their lives."The intellect of the Malay race seems rather deficient. They