Note 10 — Chapter V · Magic Rites connected with the Several Departments of Nature (continued 2)
Reading edition
The proverbs referred to are to be found in the collections of proverbs sent by Mr. Maxwell to Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. The numbers are consecutive.
4. Apa guna-nia merak mengigal di hutan?
“What is the use of the peacock strutting in the jungle?”
The idea is that the beauty of the bird is thrown away when exhibited in a lonely spot where there is none to admire it.
72. Seperti ponggok merindu bulan.
“As the owl sighs longingly to the moon.”
A figure often used by Malays in describing the longing of a lover for his mistress. It recalls a line in Gray’s “Elegy,” “The moping owl doth to the moon complain.” [As to the story connected with the ponggok, vide infra, p. 122. Cpt. Kelham, vide infra, supposes the ponggok to be Scops lempiji, Horsf.]
73. Seperti kuang mekik di-puchuk gunong.
“Like the argus pheasant calling on the mountain peak.”
Another poetical simile for a complaining lover. Here he is compared to a lonely bird sounding its note far from all companions.
93. Seperti tetegok di-rumah tinggal.
“Like the night-jar at a deserted house.”
The tegok or tetegok is a bird common in the Malay Peninsula, whose habits are nocturnal and solitary. It has a peculiar, liquid, monotonous call. The phrase is used to signify the solitude and loneliness of a stranger in a Malay kampong.
Elsewhere (in notes afterwards published in the Selangor Journal) (vol. i. No. 23, p. 360) Sir W. E. Maxwell says “The burong tetegok is not a night bird, but flies by day. It can be distinguished by its short rapid note, which resembles tegok-tegok-tegok-tegok.” Apparently Sir W. E. Maxwell identifies this bird with the Malay night-jar (Caprimulgus macrurus. Horsf.) described by Capt. Kelham, in No. 9, page 122 of the J.R.A.S., S.B. None of the Dutch Dictionaries identify it clearly, though Klinkert (probably wrongly) identifies it with the small owl called ponggok, which is taken by Capt. Kelham to be Scops lĕmpiji, Horsf. ↑