The Malay fiancée, unlike her European sister, is at the utmost pains to keep out of her lover's way, and to attain this object she is said to be "as watchful as a tiger." No engagement-ring is used in this neighbourhood, no priest (or Lebai) is present at the engagement ceremony, nor is the girl asked for her consent. On the other hand, a regular system of exchanging presents, after the engagement, is said to have been formerly in vogue in Selangor, the man sending betel-leaf, fruit, and eggs to his fiancée from time to time in net-work receptacles, and the woman sending specially prepared rice, etc. in rush-work receptacles of various patterns. It is said, too, that the woman would occasionally carve a chain, consisting of three or four links, out of a single areca-nut, in which case the prospective bridegroom was supposed to redeem it by the payment of as many dollars as there were links. The betel-nut presented on these occasions would be wrapped up in a gradation of three beautifully worked cloths, not unlike "D'oyleys" in general appearance, whilst the actual engagement ceremony in former days is said to have received additional interest and formality from the recital of verses appropriate to the occasion by chosen representatives of each party. Specimens of the betrothal verses formerly used in Selangor will be found in the Appendix. The following is a translation:-- "Q. Small is my cottage, but it has five shelves For roasting the kerisi fish; Hearken, good people, whilst I inquire of you What is the price of your Diamond [604] here? A. Your fishing-line must be five fathoms long If you would catch the tenggiri fish; Seven tahils, a kati, and five laksa, [605] That is the price of our Diamond here. Q. If there are no rengas trees growing on the Point, One must go up-stream and cut down a screw-palm; If one has not gold in one's girdle, One must make over one's person to begin with. A. If there are no rengas trees growing on the Point, You must take banyan-wood for the sides of your trays; If you have no gold in your girdle, You need not hope to get Somebody's daughter. Q. Thousands are the supports required For the stem of the sago-palm to recline upon; [606] Though it be thousands I would accept the debt So I be betrothed to Somebody's daughter. A. My head-kerchief has fallen into the sea, And with it has fallen my oar-ring; [607] I stretch out my hand in token of acceptance, Though I have naught wherewith to requite you. Q. Oar-ring or no, The lenggundi bush grows apace in the thatch channels. Whether it is well to go slowly or no, It is the favour you have shown me that subdues my heart." If, however, there is a hitch in the proceedings, and the parties commence to lose their temper, the stanzas may end very differently; for instance, the girl's father or representative will say:--