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

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MALAYAN LITERATURE
Glad joy was at its height, of pleasure born
And of the dance. The kings amused themselves.
All kinds of games they had. Intji Bibi,
A singer of Malacca, sang with grace.
The seven days passed, the Princess Mendoudari
Was all in finery arrayed. The wives
Of the two kings took her in hand. The prince
Was by the mangkouboumi ta'en in charge.
The princess sweetest perfumes did exhale.
Her manners were most gracious and polite
As of a well-born person. Every sort
Of gem and jewel sparkled from her robes.
She wore a — ring 'twas astokouna called—
And yet another one, glangkano named.
And still another, with bright stones all carved
In fashion of Ceylon. Her tresses curled
^
Like to a full-blown flower, and on them shone
Full many precious stones. The tourie buds
Became her well. Her features were as bright
As those of some celestial being pure.
Fair Mendoudari thus was clad, and led
To the bride's seat, and at her either hand
Stood mantris' daughters seven with waving fans.
Meanwhile the mangkouboumi patiently
Achieved the tiring of the prince. He wore
A royal crown, made in the island fair
Called Nousa Antara, and a rich coat
Which opened at the sides, made in the West.
A chiselled necklace hung about his neck.
His tunic flamed with orange, like the robe
Of great Schahid Schah Pri. His girdle bright
Was cloth of tjindi, fringed with agates rare.
An amulet he wore with diamond pure.
With sacred words engraved of the Koran.
He wore a jewel like a butterfly.
Most beautiful, and many rings and gems.
His features of the rarest beauty were,
Like those of some divinity of heaven.
When thus arrayed, the youthful prince came forth
And made obeisance to his parents both.