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

S
MALAYAN LITERATURE
With such a heart I cannot go
with her
Through life." Through all the night he could not sleep.
But thought upon the girl. He was as sad
As though he heard a touching song. At dawn
The royal couple rose and went to bathe.
The King into the palace came again
And sat upon the throne adorned with gems.
He donned the royal robe to wear before
The dear young girl. A vestment 'twas of silk.
All gold embroidered, with a tunic bright,
Of orange hue. His mien was most superb.
As doth become a mighty king. He bore
A quiver of Ceylon, most deftly wrought.
When all the mantris had assembled there,
The King within the palace once more went
And met the Queen. Caressing her he took
The little fish that lay upon her breast.
The princess wept, and at the door she cried :
" "
Why takest thou my little ornament ?
The great King gave no heed, and went away.
At dawn's glad hour, when birds begin to sing.
Swords gleamed and lances shone, and through the wood
They hastened on, with quivers and blow-guns,
And seemed a walking city.
Now again
To Bidasari let us turn. When dawn
Appeared, she rose and sat in loneHness,
Her face grew still more beautiful. Her state
"
Astonished her. Perhaps it is the King
Who hath this wonder wrought. How happy I
"
She washed her face
To be no longer dead !
And felt still sad, but with her pensiveness
A certain joy was mingled, for her pain
Was passed. Her grief the " talking bird " allayed
With songs about the mighty King and love.
Song
There's siri in a golden vase,
Good Dang Melini plants a rose ;
The King admires a pretty face.
To-day
he'll come to this fair close.