Malayan literature; comprising romantic tales, epic poetry and royal ...

BIDASARI 83
And wide, but found him not. They brought the news
That he could not be found. The King was sad
And ordered them to go and tell the King,
His wife's dear father, that the prince was lost.
The old King fainted when he heard the tale.
With oil of rose they sprinkled him, and back
"
Unto his senses came he. O my child,"
He said, " my heart hath lost all hope. Where now
Art thou ? I'll go, myself, to seek."
The King
Wept much, and his dear wife. And as for her—
Sweet Bidasari— she appeared to wish
To kill herself, for never on the earth
Did brother love his sister like the prince
And Bidasari. At the fall of day
Back came the King of Indrapura, sad
And weeping. Then the King of Kembajat
"
Said : O my son, be silent. Do not weep.
For thou dost but increase the pain I feel."
But Indrapura's King replied :
"
Alas !
He was my brother true, so brave and good !
But while they were lamenting thus the prince
Stood there before them with his consort fair.
He bowed to all. The King, his father, saw
And could not speak. He thought, " It is the voice
Of my dear son." Then recognition came
And he was wild with joy. The prince then told
How he had chased the tiger, and had lost
His way within a wood : how he had killed
A spirit there, Ifrid, the dread.
The King
Heard all he said and much rejoiced. Then came
The servants serving tasteful food to all.
The King ate with his wife and children dear.
Together they were six. All sorts of rare
And dainty food were served them, and the King
Took siri from the betel-box, and used
Sweet perfumes. The great King of Kembajat
Then gave a festival which lasted quite
Seven days, with music and diversions gay.
"