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

BIDASARI 73
" I'll wait for seven days still." Then questions flew,
And the great king learned all about his child.
The Indrapura mantris went apart
When evening came. A separate palace grand
The King assigned them, with the best of food.
He orders gave for preparations great.
"
Unto the Queen he said : In seven days* time.
My dear, I look to start, for I shall have
No peace until I've seen our darling child."
Then he assembled there his mantris all,
Both young and old, with elephants and steeds.
And all was ready to set forth, as he had wished.
The while the morning stars were twinkling still.
The royal gong resounded many times.
The guards leaped forth with joy. The officers
Came out and took their shining helms of war.
Their naked swords all glistened. It was thus
They made the glittering royal cavalcade.
Their flags and banners flaunted in the air,
All those who stayed behind were sad, as if
A knife had cut them. All together marched,
The lancers and the horsemen, and they seemed
A moving city. Soon all darkened was
The moon, as someone sorrowful. The swords
And lances glistened like an island in
The middle of the sea. Thus is described
The royal escort marching through the land.
The King was mounted on an elephant.
His ^m-bearer seated close behind.
A rich payong of royalty, all tricked
With bells, was stretched above his head,
And drums and other instruments without
Cessation sounded. Thus went forth the King,
And soon to Indrapura came.
When near
He halted and forthwith an envoy sent
His coming to announce, together with
The laksimana mantri. " Mighty King,"
They said, " thy royal father hath arrived."