Malayan Literature: Comprising Romantic Tales, Epic Poetry and Royal Chronicles
General
Malayan Literature: Comprising Romantic Tales, Epic Poetry and Royal Chronicles
Malay literature -- Translations into English
The report of these occurrences reached Singapore. King Krama
immediately ordered that Badang be brought before him, and he called
him Raden (_i.e._, Royal Prince).
Once upon a time the King of Singapore ordered Badang to fetch for his
repast the fruit of _kouras_, at the river Sayang. Badang went there
alone in his _pilang_, or boat, which was eight fathoms long, and he
punted it with a pole cut from the trunk of a kampas-tree a fathom in
girth.
When he arrived at the river Sayang, he clasped the _kouras_-tree. The
branches broke, the tree fell, and his head struck against a huge rock.
His head was not injured, but the rock was split in two. This stone is
still seen to-day on the river Sayang, and it bears the name of Balou-
blah, which means the "Riven Rock." His pole and boat have also been
preserved to the present day. The day following his exploit Badang
started back for Singapore, with his _pilang_ completely laden with
sugar-cane, bananas, and _keladion_, or edible lily, root. He had eaten
the whole cargo before he arrived at Djohor-the-Old.
On another occasion the King of Singapore had caused a large ship to be
built, fifteen fathoms long, in front of the palace. The vessel being
finished, between forty and fifty men were ordered to push it into the
water. They were unable to launch it. As many as 2,000 or 3,000 persons
were equally unsuccessful. Then the King ordered Badang to undertake
the operation. Badang undertook the task unaided, and pushed with such
force that the vessel went right across the strait to the other shore.
For this feat the King appointed him _houloubalong_, or officer of
military rank.
A report reached the province of Kling that among the officers of the
King was a man of extraordinary strength, named Badang. Now there was a
powerful athlete at the court of the King of Kling, who had no rival in
the country. His name was Madia-Bibjaya-Pelkrama. The King ordered him
to go to Singapore with seven vessels; "Go," said he, "and wrestle with
this officer. If he defeat you, give him as a prize the cargo of the
seven vessels; if you are victorious, demand of him an equal forfeit."
"I obey, your Majesty," said the athlete, and started off with the
seven vessels.
When he arrived at Singapore they brought news to the King of the city,
saying: "An athlete has arrived from the land of Kling to compete with
Badang in many kinds of sports. If he is defeated, he will leave the
cargo of his seven vessels as forfeit."
The King came out of his palace to give audience. The Hindoo athlete
presented himself. The prince told him to try a bout with Badang.
Badang beat him in every round.
Now facing the _balerong_, or court of audience, was an enormous rock.
The athlete said to Badang: "Come, let us match our strength by lifting
this stone. Whoever cannot lift it will be conquered."
"Do you try first," said Badang.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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