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

BIDASARI 59
" Thy lord is grand
Remarked a country-man.
And powerful now, and master of us here.
The King hath now become his son-in-law."
Then Sinapati went within the gates
And saw his mother there. Her heart was touched.
" ''
She kissed him and inquired, Whom hast thou brought ?
" "
It is a friend," he answered. Come, my lord,"
She to the young prince said, " enter and rest,"
" He's so like Bidasari," to herself
"
She said. What is thy name, my brave young man,
Thou seemest nobly born. In very truth
Thou'rt handsome and well mannered." Then the prince
"
Said : Poutra Bangsawan I'm called. Thy son
I've followed here." But Sinapati paid
Him homage, and they knew him for a prince.
Before his door young Sinapati slept
At night to guard him safe. Next day there came
An invitation from Lila Mengindra
(Before, Djouhara). So they started forth.
Lila Mengindra was astonished quite
To see the prince's face so beautiful.
"
Who is this most distinguished stranger here ? "
"
He asked himself. My master, speak a word
To Poutra Bangsawan, a friend of mine,"
Said Sinapati. So the old man turned
"
And spoke unto the prince, Come here, my son,
And sit thee near thy father." He felt drawn
To him, he looked so much Hke Bidasari.
The young prince smiled and on the dais sat.
"
What is thy visit's purpose ? " then inquired
The good old man. The prince with bows polite
"
I'm but a humble stranger, come
Replied :
To find my sister. I bespeak
thine aid."
" Be not afraid, my son, but trust in me.
Nor fear to give thy sister's name. If thou
Wilt have it so I'll take thee for a son ;
I love thee for thou hast a face so like
My daughter's." Then the brave young prince began
And told his sister's story, how she was
In time of stress abandoned on the shore.