A dictionary of the Malay tongue, as spoken in the ... - Sabrizain.org

MALAY TONGUE. 35
The Malay lanccuagc, although uncommonly foft, is not poflcflcd of
that ftrength of metaphor, for which moft of the languages of the Eall are
fo juftly famed.
It is indeed, as Mr. Marfdcn properly obfcrves, often extremely difficult
to trace in their poetry the connexion between the figuiative and litteral
lenfc.
The following fliort piece or pantoon, as it is called by the Malays, which
has been quoted by that gentleman in his Hiflory oi Sumatra, may be confi-
dcrcd as an exception to this remark :
What fignifies attempting to light a lamp.
If the wick be wanted }
What fignifies making love with the eyes,
If nothing be intended ?
Apo goono paJfa7igpaleeto,
Calla tecdah dangan fooniboon'ta
Apo goono herm'uie matto,
Calla teedah dangan foongoonia P
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