If it is not to kill him, do you fall prone.”[295]
These last two lines refer to the omens which are taken from the way the tree falls; the “supine” position being that of a crocodile which has “turned turtle,” whereas the prone position would be its natural attitude as it swims.
Then start making the floating platform or raft (rakit) by chopping a plantain stem (any kind will do) into three lengths (di-k’ratkan tiga), and then skewering these lengths together at their ends so as to form a triangle.
Into the apex of this triangle firmly plant the lower end of a strong and springy rod, making the upper end curve over slightly in a forward direction (di-pasang-nya kayu mĕlentor ka-atas) and securing it in its position by two lashings, which are carried down from its tip and fastened to the two front corners of the triangle. Then utter the charm and plant the pole by the river-side in the spot you have selected, holding your breath and making believe that you are King Solomon (di-sifatkan kita Raja Suleiman) as it sinks into the ground. The charm consists of these lines:—
“Peace be with you, O Prophet Khailir,
In whose charge is the water;
Peace be with you, O Prophet Tĕtap,
In whose charge is the earth;
Pardon, King of the Sea, Deity of Mid-currents,
I ask only for the ‘guilty’ (crocodiles),