Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula - Sabrizain.org

SAVAGE MALAYS OF JOHOR
variety has nothing butj hislown indolence to blame.
As in other communities, the condition of individuals
varies much. The active and persevering do not
grudge their labour to render themselves and their
families comfortable. Their clearings are well stocked
with vegetables. Their families are clothed. They
have their fishing-hut and canoes on the river, and
their durian-grove and hut in the forest, and they and
all about them are cheerful and even happy. And yet
they never have any other capital than their industry.
Others again have not a tithe of their comforts, but
are so reconciled to their own indolence and its
results, that they are contented with their lot. I
soon found that a large house and a sufficient supply
of clothing were certain evidences that the head
of the family was endowed with a superior measure
of intelligence and cheerfulness. Where all are on
an equality, accumulated capital wanting, and hardly
anything inherited but the common right of taking
the produce of the forest, personal advantages are
the only ones known. He who has most intellect
and activity fares the best.'
The good-humour and cheerfulness of the Benua
are amongst their most striking characteristics.
Their minds are free from thought and free from
care. They are timid, but at the same time
perfectly independent, and, whilst entirely exempt
from all servility of manner or address, and want-
ing in that peculiar courtesy which distinguishes
the Malay, they are thoroughly respectful. Though
in address they are abrupt and open, they have the
same natural softness of manner and unwillingness to
offend which characterise the uncontaminated Malay.
' y. /. A. vol, i. p. 266.