Malayan Literature, Song V

A certain day the mantris came Before the King, in the pavilion grand. And with them came the youthful prince, and cast Himself before the throne. The King with smiles Said: "Sit thou at my side, my brother dear, I have not seen thee for a day entire." The princeling bowed and said: "My gracious lord If thou wilt pardon me, I would return And give my parents dear the joyful news. My father bade me seek my sister lost, And still he nothing knows of her good fate." The King replied with sorrow: "Brother mine, Why wilt thou go so soon? We scarcely are Acquainted, and I have not had enough Of thy dear company." The prince replied: "Oh, be not sorrowful, my gracious lord. As soon as I have my dear father seen I'll tell him what good things have come to pass. 'Twill soothe his heart to hear my sister's joy. My parents will be glad in learning all Thy goodness great. And pray consider me Thy subject leal. Soon I'll return again." The King's emotion grew. With pleasant voice He said: "Take counsel of thy sister. Heed What she may say." They found the Queen within, Fair Bidasari, and attending her Dyang Agous Djouhari. All sat down And took some siri from the betel-box. The Queen to the young prince then spoke: "Come here. My brother, why have I thy face not seen For two long days?" With bows the prince replied: "I've had a multitude of things to do. Thus came I not; for my companions all Seek homeward to return. So I must take My leave of thee upon the morrow morn, When pales the silver moon before the dawn." The Queen was grieved to hear these words, and shed A flood of tears. Her tender heart was touched. Beside herself with sorrow she exclaimed: "O prince illustrious! How canst thou go, Since we have met? I've loved thee from the time I knew thou wert my brother. I am grieved To hear thee say thou wilt so soon depart. Of low extraction must I be! 'Twas wrong For thee to call thyself my brother. I A poor and feeble orphan am, and how Should I the love deserve of a great prince?" When this he heard the prince bowed low his head And was much troubled. "Sister sweet," he said, "Grieve not like this. I only do return Because our parents must so anxious be. I love thee so, my darling, that my heart Is nearly breaking. If thou speakest thus To me, my dear, my grief will still increase. I could not leave thee, but I must respect Our parents' wishes. They commanded me All haste to make. So—sweet—I pray thee have Compassion on me."

Much disturbed, the King Observed the sorrow of the princess fair. He kissed her lips, to her a sepah gave, And said with tender voice: "My darling wife, What dost thou wish? Let now thy brother go. We'll see thy parents here ere many days." The Queen wept bitterly, and said to him: "His wishes I do not oppose. Let him Do whatsoe'er it pleaseth him to do. For I am but a stranger, a lost child, And who should think of me or love me true?" Then bowed the prince and said: "In very truth, I know thou art my sister. Speak not thus. God knows how much I love thee, sister mine. If thou dost not permit me to depart I'll not resist. I'm happy here with thee, But our dear parents are in cruel doubt, And look for news of thee. Now that I know Thy husband is a king, our parents dear Would be so overjoyed to learn it too!" Then spoke the King with face all radiant, "Return not, brother mine," he said. "I'll send Swift messengers to bear the gladsome news That Bidasari's found. Then, if he wills, Thy royal father here we'll hope to see. I'll go myself to meet him when he comes." The young prince bowed and said: "Nay, rather send Thy messengers, a great king cannot go So far away." Queen Bidasari heard These words and much rejoiced, and gayly gave Her brother then her betel-box.

The King Caressed his wife and said, "My dearest soul, Love not thy brother more than me." He called Lila Mengindra. Soon the merchant came Before the King and prince. The King exclaimed: "Come here, my uncle. Tell me, wilt thou take A letter to the King of Kembajat— To prove to him we live?"

So spake the King And called his counsellor of state, who came And kissed his hands. The King then bade him write A letter, all in characters of gold. "Well," cried the King, "let's hear the letter now," "Now glory be to God," it thus began, And all fair Bidasari's history Recited. Then the King a mighty host Assembled and with elephants and steeds Ten mantris took the letter of the prince Unto his parents. With the cavalcade There went a laksimana great, who bore, As king's ambassador, bejewelled flags And standards rich, and presents of much worth. Then Sinapati by the King was called A laksimana mantri, and received A fine equipment, with a hundred men To follow him. 'Twas thus the King preserved His reputation as a mighty king.

When he had sent the embassy, the King Went to his wife, and they were very gay. His love for her grew greater every day. The former merchant also was beloved. He gave the King good counsel, and obeyed His orders willingly. He often dined Together with the King and Queen. His wealth Grew vast. No one at all could with him vie, In Indrapura. He was much attached To the chief mantri. They were equals both In prudence, wisdom, and fidelity, With power unquestioned over all the folk. Beneath their sway prosperity increased, And many merchants came from far and wide. The kingdom was at peace. The King rejoiced, And everyone was happy in the land.