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

88 MALAYAN LITERATURE
'
E'en then be much too long." The prince replied,
" Assuage thy grief, my sister dear.
With bows :
For if the King permits, perhaps I may
Come sooner back to thee."
The mighty King
Of Indrapura said, in friendly tones:
'*
Although he be thy brother, still, my dear,
I love him much. We ne'er have had the least
Misunderstanding. Why art thou not gay ?
And why art thou not willing he should go?
If 'twere not for thy father I would keep
Him here."
The King departed, followed by
His son, who took his father just beyond
The gates. The mangkouboumi bowed his head
Before the King, who with much ardor said,
" O father of dear Bidasari, give
Aid and protection to thy lovely child."
The mangkouboumi bowed again, and said :
" Whate'er is fit, I'll do. Upon my head
I bear thine orders. I thy servant am."
The prince embraced the former merchant too,
And said, " O uncle dear, my sister guide.
And counsel her if any fault she doth."
Then said the King of Kembajat, " My son.
Come, let us start at once."
So forth he fared.
The prince and all the escort with him went.
A few days passed and they were home again.
New garments to the escort all were given,
And many presents to the officers.
By mantris four the King rich treasures sent
Unto his children loved, with many steeds
And elephants. When safely they arrived
At Indrapura, they appeared before
The mangkouboumi. He presented th^m
" O sire, thS^egifts
"
Why dost
Unto the King, and said :
Are from thy son." The King replied :
Thou bring them here, my uncle ? Keep them all
In thine own treasury." Then he retired