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

56
MALAYAN LITERATURE
Vex not thyself about thy sister dear.
From travellers we shall get news of her,
And her abode discover."
Then the prince
"
Bowed low and said : My father, lord, and King,
I am but strengthened in my wish to go
And find my sister. Let me now depart.
And seek for news of her." The King replied :
" Well, go, my dearest son ; thy heart is good.
Though but a child thou still dost bear a brain."
Then summoned the young prince the merchants all.
And bought much goods and questioned them in turn
About all neighboring villages and camps.
They told whate'er they knew most willingly,
For much the young prince was beloved by them.
Among them was a youth of handsome face,
Fair Bidasari's foster-brother tall.
Amid the strangers sat he near the throne ;
His name was Sinapati. He was brave
And wise. Now as he watched the prince he thought,
" How strangely like dear Bidasari's face
Is his, as when a reed is split in twain
There is no difiference between the halves."
His home he left when Bidasari fair
Became the Queen. He thought of her and wept.
The prince observed him there, and said, with smiles :
" Young man, my friend, from what far town art thou ?
Why dost thou weep so bitterly? What thoughts
"
Arise in thee and make thy visage dark ?
"
My lord,
Young Sinapati bowed and said :
I came from Indrapura, in a ship.
My wares to sell. For that I do not weep.
But sorrow cometh to my heart whene'er
I think upon my home, and brothers dear.
And sisters."
At these words the prince rejoiced.
"
He thought, From him some news I'll surely learn."
Sherbets and dainties then to all the folk
He offered, and the cup went 'round from dawn
Till noon^ and then the merchants went away ;