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

BIDASARI 69
Seek homeward to return. So I must take
My leave of thee upon the morrow morn,
When pales the silver moon before the dawn."
The Queen was grieved to hear these words, and shed
A flood of tears. Her tender heart was touched.
Beside herself with sorrow she exclaimed :
" O prince illustrious ! How canst thou go,
Since we have met ? I've loved thee from the time
I knew thou wert my brother. I am grieved
To hear thee say thou wilt so soon depart.
Of low extraction must I be ! 'Twas wrong
For thee to call thyself my brother. I
A poor and feeble orphan am, and how
Should I the love deserve of a great prince ? "
When this he heard the prince bowed low his head
"
And was much troubled. Sister sweet," he said,
"
Grieve not like this. I only do return
Because our parents must so anxious be.
I love thee so, my darling, that my heart
Is nearly breaking. If thou speakest thus
To me, my dear, my grief will still increase.
I could not leave thee, but I must respect
Our parents' wishes. They commanded me
All haste to make. So— sweet— I pray thee have
Compassion on me."
Much disturbed, the King
Observ^ed the sorrow of the princess fair.
He kissed her lips, to her a sepah gave.
"
And said with tender voice : My darling wife,
What dost thou wish ? Let now thy brother go.
We'll see thy parents here ere many days."
The Queen wept bitterly, and said to him:
"
His wishes I do not oppose. Let him
Do whatsoe'er it pleaseth him to do.
For I am but a stranger, a lost child,
And who should think of me or love me true ? "
Then bowed the prince and said :
" In very truth,
I know thou art my sister. Speak not thus.
God knows how much I love thee, sister mine.
If thou dost not permit me to depart