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When the daléms are speaking, the sadati always remains silent; but the intonation of the latter is invariably accompanied by the chakrum of the former; this consists in a sort of dull murmur of the sounds hélahōhō, varied by occasional clapping of the hands. Let us begin with a translation of a kisah-dialogue, which also comprises a sort of Achehnese encyclopaedia of geography and politics. We denote the sadati by the letter S and his daléms by D.
Specimen of a kisah-dialogue.Although the daléms sing in chorus and are addressed collectively by their sadati, they generally speak of themselves in the first person singular; and it is not generally apparent from what the sadati says, whether he is addressing them in the singular or the plural. We shall thus as a rule employ the singular in our translation, using the plural only in some of the many cases which admit of the possibility of its use.
Dialogue-kisah.
D. Wilt thou, oh little brother, go forth to try thy fortune and engage in trade in some place or other?
S. What sea-coast has a just king, on what river-mouth lies the busiest mart?
D. Well, little brother, little diamond, the land of Kluang has a thriving mart.
S. I will not go to the land of Kluang, Nakhoda Nyaʾ Agam no longer reigns there.
D. Be not disturbed in mind because he is no longer king; Raja Udah is his successor.
S. What matters whether Raja Udah is there or not, since he hath no acquaintance with you!
D. If this contents thee not, I take you farther still; go to Glé Putōïh (in Daya) to plant pepper.
S. I will not go to Glé Putōïh, for the men of Daya are at enmity with (us) Achehnese.
D. If that please thee not, oh younger brother, go to Lambeusòë (Lamběsi) under the Keujruën Kuala.
S. I go not to the country of Lambeusòë, for it is at strife with Kuala Unga.
D. Be not disturbed that the country is at war; I appoint thee a panglima (leader of fighting men) there.
S. How can you make me a leader in war, who am not yet fully grown?
