My mother will not weep for me, for she is dead. But others will cry with harsh-sounding voice, ‘Lo, there lies Saïdyah!’
I shall not hear.
I have seen the dead body of Pa-lisoo, who had passed away in old age, for his hair was white.
If I die in old age, with white hair, the weeping-women will stand round my body.
And loudly they will lament as the mourners around Pa-lisoo’s body, and the grandchildren also will cry with loud voices.
I shall not hear.
I have seen many at Badoor who died. They were wrapped in a white garment and buried in the ground.
If I die at Badoor, and they bury me outside the village, eastward against the hill, where the grass is high,
Then will Adinda’s footfall pass, and the hem of her garment will gently brush the grass in passing . . .
And I shall hear.”
Saïdyah arrived in Batavia. He asked a gentleman to take him into his service, which this gentleman did immediately, as he did not understand Saïdyah. For in Batavia people like to have servants who have not yet learnt Malay, and who are therefore not yet so corrupted as others who have been longer in touch with European civilization. Saïdyah soon learned Malay, but he behaved in an exemplary manner, for he thought ever of the new buffaloes that he wished to buy, and of Adinda. He grew tall and strong, because he ate every day, which was not always possible at Badoor. He was liked in the stables and would certainly not have been rejected if he had asked for the coachman’s daughter in marriage. His master also liked Saïdyah so much that he soon raised him to the position of house-servant. His wages were increased, and he was continually given presents, for the people were particularly well satisfied with his services. The mistress had read the novels
