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

50
MALAYAN LITERATURE
" Dear Bidasari, sweetest child," they said,
" Behind the King, dear daughter, thou should stand
She made as if to go, but still the King
"
Restrained her. No, my pretty one," he said,
"
Thy place is at my side. So God hath willed."
The oldest mantri, called for counsel, spoke :
" Lila Djouhara good, what sayest thou ?
Art thou not glad to see thy daughter made
A queen ? What happiness hath come to thee !
The merchant bowed before the King, and said :
"
Make her thy servant, not thy wife, my lord.
Thy glorious Queen we fear. She e'er hath shown
For Bidasari hatred dire, because
A child so lovely might attract the King."
The monarch hearing him thus speak, still more
"
Toward him was borne. My uncle," then he cried,
"
Have no more fear. But never shall I make
A servant of thy daughter."
Then he gave
Command to build a castle in the wood.
And all the workers came, and built it there,
With ramparts three. As if by magic then
A golden palace rose. The outer gate
Was iron, loaded down with arms, and held
By demons and by Ethiopians.
These were the keepers of the gates, with steeds
Untamed. With swords unsheathed they stood alert
And waited for the King's commands. Of brass
All chiselled was the second gate, suppHed
With cannons and with powder, guarded safe
By beings supernatural. The third
Was silver, such as may be seen in far
Eirak. The beauty of the castle was
Beyond compare ! From
far it seemed to be
As double, like an elephant with two
White ivory tusks. Where may
Three diamonds pure reflected all the light.
Big as a melon. Now the castle built,
The King a plaisance beautiful desired
"
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