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

46
MALAYAN LITERATURE
The Queen is good and wise, and knoweth how
To win all hearts. Why should she render thee
Unhappy ? Speak not thus, my pretty one ;
The Queen
could never do an evil deed.
When thou art near her, thou shalt see, my dear,
Whether she loves or hates thee."
At these words
Young Bidasari knew the King esteemed
The Queen, and felt her heart sink in her breast.
" My words are true," she said, *'
but still perchance
My prince cannot believe. But was I not
Within thy palace six or seven nights ?
The sweat of pain became my couch, so great
Was my desire to see my parents dear.
They sent me dainties, but all the dyangs
Were kept as prisoners by the princess there.
She said she'd take me back herself. One day
I was, indeed, sent home, but scarce alive."
She told him everything that came to pass.
"
He listened stupefied, and said : How could
It be that thou wert in the palace hid,
And I not see thee there? Why was it thou
Wert not beside the Queen ? I've never left
The palace for a single day. Where wert
Thou hid? Thy strange words I beHeve, my dear.
without fear and let me know the whole."
Speak
Urged by the King, young Bidasari told
Him all. And when the conduct of the Queen
He learned, the King was wonder-struck, A rage
Most terrible possessed him. But his love
For Bidasari mounted higher still
"
And his compassion. So the Queen thus wrought !
I never thought hypocrisy could be
So great ! I never in the princess saw
Such bent for evil. But be not, my dear.
Disconsolate. It is a lucky thing
Thou didst not quite succumb. No longer speak
Of that bad woman's ways. Thank God we've met !
So weep no more, my love. I'll give to thee
A throne more beautiful than hers, and be