Time out of mind the piratical proas of the Malays, lurking among the low shaded coves and islets of Sumatra, have sallied out upon the vessels sailing through the straits, fiercely demanding tribute at the point of their spears.

自古以来，马来海盗的快速帆船，就潜伏在苏门答腊矮树林荫蔽的浅湾小岛间袭击经过海峡的船只，用他们的矛尖穷凶极恶地索要贡礼。