Malayan Literature_ Comprising Romantic Ta - Unknown

    The maiden  hiding, bathed  in  bitter  tears.

    Then    kissing her,    the King    inquired:   "My love,

    Bright  glory   of  my  crown;  pray    tell    to  me

    Why thou    art sad."   He  dried   her tears.  But she

    Still   hung    her head    in  silence.    Then    the King

    For elephants   and horses  to  be  sent

    Gave    orders. "Go with    mantris two at  once,

    And bring   the merchant    and his wife,   and bid

    Forty   dyangs  to  hasten  here    forthwith."

    Then    went    the mantris forth   in  haste,  and found

    The merchant    and his wife    and said,   "The    King

    Inviteth    ye  to  come."  Then    through the wood

    The parents hurried to  the plaisance   fair

    Of  Bidasari,   there   to  meet    the King.

    Before  his Majesty they    bowed   with    fear.

    The great   King    smiled. "Be not afraid,"    he  said,

    "My uncle   and my  mother. Let us  go

    Within, to  see thy lovely  child.  I   make

    Ye  now my  parents.    We  have    friendly    been,

    And still   shall   be."    Beside  the King    they    saw

    Fair    Bidasari    seated, as  with    steps

    Still   hesitating  they    the palace  sought.

    The father  fond    was glad    within  his heart,

    His daughter    was so  beautiful.  She seemed

    A   princess    lovely  of  the Mount   Lidang.

    "Dear   Bidasari,   sweetest    child," they    said,

    "Behind the King,   dear    daughter,   thou    should  stand."

    She made    as  if  to  go, but still   the King

    Restrained  her,    "No,    my  pretty  one,"   he  said;

    "Thy    place   is  at  my  side.   So  God hath    willed."

    The oldest  mantri, called  for counsel,    spoke:

    "Lila   Djouhara    good,   what    sayest  thou?

    Art thou    not glad    to  see thy daughter    made

    A   queen?  What    happiness   hath    come    to  thee!"

    The merchant    bowed   before  the King,   and said:

    "Make   her thy servant,    not thy wife,   my  lord.

    Thy glorious    Queen   we  fear.   She e'er    hath    shown

    For Bidasari    hatred  dire,   because

    A   child   so  lovely  might   attract the King."