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

BIDASARl
Good Dang Melini plants a rose,
Here in the garden they will meet ;
To-day he'll come to this fair close,
To man and maiden love is sweet.
Here in the garden they will meet,
Go seek the fairest fruit and flower ;
To man and maiden love is sweet,
The King is coming to the bower.
Lo! At this very instant they approached.
Dear Bidasari hid behind the couch.
The King searched everywhere, and found at last
The maiden hiding, bathed in bitter tears.
Then kissing her, the King inquired :
"
My love,
Bright glory of my crown ; pray tell to me
Why thou art sad." He dried her tears. But she
Still hung her head in silence. Then the King
For elephants and horses to be sent
"
Gave orders. Go with mantris two at once,
And bring the merchant and his wife, and bid
Forty dyangs to hasten here forthwith."
Then went the mantris forth in haste, and found
The merchant and his wife and said, " The King
Inviteth ye to come." Then through the wood
The parents hurried to the plaisance fair
Of Bidasari, there to meet the King.
Before his Majesty they bowed with fear.
"
The great King smiled. Be not afraid," he said,
"
My uncle and my mother. Let us go
Within, to see thy lovely child. I make
Ye now my parents. We have friendly been,
And still shall be." Beside the King they saw
Fair Bidasari seated, as with steps
Still hesitating they the palace sought.
The father fond was glad within his heart,
His daughter was so beautiful. She seemed
A princess lovely of the Mount Lidang.
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