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

THE PRINCESS DJOUHER-MANIKAM 133
Djouher-Manikam." And the cadi married them. After the
celebration of the marriage the prince Chah Djouhou gave
to Asraf-el-Kaum 1,000 dinars and some of his slaves, both
men and women. King Djouhou and Princess Djouher-
Manikam were happy and full of tenderness for each other.
Within a few years the princess had two sons, both very beautiful.
The prince loved these children very fondly. But
above all he loved his wife. He was full of tender solicitude
for her, and bore himself with regard to her with the same
careful atention that a man uses who carries oil in the hollow
of his hand. Some time later Princess Djouher-Manikam had
another son of great beauty. The prince loved this third child
tenderly. He gave him a great number of nurses and gov-
ernesses, as is the custom for the children of the greatest kings.
And he never ceased to bestow upon him the most watchful
care.
It happened one day that the ministers, the chiefs, and the
courtiers of the King, all gathered in his presence, were enjoying
all sorts of sport and amusements. The prince showed
himself very joyous, and the princess herself played and
amused herself with the three children. Her countenance
shone with the brightness of rubies; but happening to think
of her father, her mother, and her brother, she began to weep
"
and said : Alas, how unhappy I am ! If my father, mother,
and brother could see my three children, necessarily their
affection for me would be greater." And the princess Djouher-
Manikam burst into sobs. The prince, who was not far from
there, heard her, and as the princess did not stop weeping he
"
asked her : O princess, why do you weep thus ? What do
I lack in your eyes ? Is it riches or physical beauty or noble
birth? Or is it the spirit of justice? Tell me what is the
"
tears ?
cause of your
Princess Djouher-Manikam answered: Sovereign
of the
world, your Majesty has not a single fault. Your riches equal
those of Haroun. Your beauty equals that of the prophet
Joseph (peace be upon him!). Your extraction equals that
of the envoy of God (Mahomet). May the benediction of God
and blessings rest upon him! Your justice equals that of
King Rouchirouan. I don't see a single fault in you, my
lord."