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

52
MALAYAN LITERATURE
Adorned with padaka of five quaint clasps,
And belt called naga souma. Ear-rings rich
She had, of diamonds set in gold, and wrought
Most wondrously, as bright as daylight's gleam ;
A ring most marvellous and rare she wore
Called astakouna, and another named
Gland kana, and a third from far Ceylon,
Studded with precious stones. Her eyes were like
The stars of orient skies. Her teeth were black.
Her face like water shone. Her chiselled nose
Was prominent and like a flower fresh culled.
When she was dressed, upon a couch of pearls
Her mother put her. Supple was her form,
And white, as she reclined, by many maids
Surrounded. In his royal garb the prince
Was clad, and dazzling to the eyes of all
Who saw. He wore a kingly crown which shone
With diamonds bright and lucent amethysts
And many stones, and all majestic seemed.
Then rice was brought. The King with pleasure ate,
And what was left he gave the mantris' wives.
When all had finished he perfumed himself
And gazed upon his lovely wife. Her face
And form were charming. Her soft tresses curled
In grace. Her eyes still kept the trace of tears.
Which made her lovelier. The silken folds
Of soft Egyptian curtains fell. They were alone.
"
Awake, my darling," said the prince at dawn,
"
Crown of my life, awake, my pretty one."
Then Bidasari waked and said, with tears:
" My friend, I had all sorts of wondrous dreams.
I saw a palm-tree tall with tufted limbs,
And fruits all ripe." When three days more had fled
And all the people saw and loud acclaimed.
Then Bidasari took the rank of Queen.
The King overloaded her with gifts and loved
Her tenderly. "Oh, let us live and die
Together, dear, and, as the days go by.
Think more of one another, and our love
Preserve, as in the hollow of the hand