A grammar of the Malayan language, with an introduction and praxis..

128 A GRAMMAR OF THE
couplet running lengthwise, with a point, small circle, or other mark to
denote the interval, instead of being placed under each other, as in our
poems ; the page by this means exhibiting a double column.
The panlun, seldka or stanza, consisting of four short lines alternately
rhyming, is sententious and epigrammatic ; but its essential quality and
that from whence it acquires its name, is a quaint allusion, by which it
affects to express more than meets the ear. The first two lines of the
quatrain are figurative, containing sometimes one, but oftener two uncon-
nected images, whilst the latter two are moral, sentimental, or amorous,
and we are led to expect that they should exemplify and constitute the
application of the figurative part. They do so in some few instances,
but in general the thought is wrapt in such obscurity, that not the
faintest analogy between them can be traced, and we are even disposed
to doubt whether any is intended or occurs otherwise than by chance.
Yet (as Dr. Leyden has observed) " the Malays allege that the appli-
cation of the image, maxim or similitude, is always accurate ;" and this
is in some measure evinced by the eager attention (surely not to be
excited by mere nonsense) paid to the poetical contests which give birth
to these, often extemporaneous, productions, and the applause bestowed
upon such as, to the taste of the by-standers, contain the most witty and
pointed allusions ; for " these patHuns (adds the same writer) the Malays
often recite in alternate contest for several hours ; the preceding pantun
always furnishing the catchword to that which follows, until one of the
parties be silenced or vanquished."
With regard to the metre of their poetry, it appears to be regulated
by the ear of the composer, rather than by rules previously established
for his guidance, and is consequently subject to much licence in the
disposition