Chapter 5

But when the King Heard these vociferations of the Queen, He said: "Branch of my heart, light of my eyes, Oh, be not vexed, my dear. It was not I Who wrong began, but thou didst cause it all. For thou didst hide thy deed from me, and drive Me on to this extremity. Oh, why Art thou now angry with me? If thou wilt But love her, and attach thy heart to hers, She'll pardon thee, and take thee as a friend." As more and more enraged the Queen became, Her wrath with strong reproaches overflowed. "Depart from here, accursed of God! Thou art No longer husband mine. Go live with her Whom God hath struck, but whom thou dost delight To honor. Formerly of noble blood Thou wert, but now no more than broken straw. Thou needst not further try to flatter me. Though thou shouldst purify thyself seven times, false one, I'd not permit thee to approach my side." The King grew angry and replied: "Tis thou Who art despicable. Thy cunning tricks Are worthless now. Thy jealousy insane Was without cause, and common were thy acts. Thy wit is much below thy beauty. Will follow thee, should I protection cease." "Have I forgot my noble birth?" she asked.

"But thou hast erred, to lower thine high estate To people of such base extraction. Here And everywhere thy shame is known, that thou Art wedded to a gadabout. Is it For princes thus to wed a merchant's child? She ought far in the woods to dwell, and know Most evil destiny." The King but smiled And said: "If this event is noised abroad, 'Tis thou who wilt receive an evil name. For who in all the land would dare prevent The King from marrying? I ought to take From thee all I have given. But before The people I've no wish to humble thee. Is it because I met thy every wish That thou art grown so bad? Most evil hath Thy conduct been, and I with thee am wroth," And in hot anger rushed the King away, And straight repaired to Bidasari's side.

SONG IV

This song will tell again about the prince Of Kembajat, most powerful. He was chased By fell _garouda_, horrid bird of prey, And sought another land. His way he took Toward Indrapura. At the break of dawn A daughter fair was born, a princess true, Within a boat that lay upon a shore. The Queen and he abandoned her, and went Back to the royal palace and for days Bemoaned her fate. Of her they nothing heard. "Alas my child!" the father cried, "my dear, In whose care art thou now? We do not know If thou art dead or living. Thus thy sire Hath no repose. Light of mine eyes, my love, My purest gold, our hearts are torn with grief. An evil fate was ours to hide thee there. We do repent the deed. To think that thou Perchance hath fallen among the poorest folk! A slave perhaps thou art!" The prince's son Remarked the sorrow of his parents dear, And was profoundly moved. "Have I," he asked, "A sister? Tell me why have ye concealed Her far away? Did ye not care for her? Was she a burden that ye must forsake Her thus? Doth shame not fill your parents' hearts?" But when he heard the tale in full, he said: "O father, let me go to seek for her, My sister dear. If I succeed I'll bring Her back to thee." "Oh, leave us not, my son," The father said. "Thou art our only heir. Like a tamed bird upon our shoulders fain We've carried thee, and watched thee, day and night. Why shouldst thou leave us now? Oh, go not forth. 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 difference 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?" Young Sinapati bowed and said: "My lord, 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; But the young prince kept Sinapati there. Now he already strong affection felt For him and said: "My friend, toward thee I'm moved And look upon thee as a brother dear. Thou dost at Indrapura live, but who May be thy patron there?" Then with a smile Young Sinapati said: "My patron's called Lila Djouhara, merchant great. He owns Some six or seven swift ships, and toileth more Than ever since he Bidasari took As child." In two days' time the young prince went With Sinapati to his father's house. "I bring thee news," he said, "but nothing yet Is sure. Behold from Indrapura far A youth, from whom I've things of import great. A merchant of Pesara, very rich, My sister must have found. All well agrees With what to me thou saidst. Now must we seek For confirmation of the glad report." To Sinapati gold and gems they gave. Then spake the King: "If this be so I'll send An envoy bearing richest gifts, and thanks Within a letter writ."

The youthful prince Bowed low and said: "Oh, send me on this quest! Lila Djouhara I would like to see. Perhaps he's virtuous and just. If I Am made full sure it is my sister dear, I'll send a messenger. And if it be I'll bring her back."

The King was moved To hear his son thus speak. "O dearest child," He said: "I'm very loath to let thee go. But thou must many horsemen take with thee, Lest thou shouldst long be absent."

"Why should I Be long away?" the prince replied, with bows; "For if Lila Djouhara will not let Her come, I shall forthwith return to thee." The King could now no more object. He gave Commands to make an expedition great. With richest gifts, and food, and princely things, And sent him forth with blessings on his head. "Stay not too long; thou art my only hope," The King exclaimed; "I'm getting old, my son, And thou my heir upon the throne must be." They started early on the fourteenth day Of that same month. And Sinapati rode Beside the Prince.

Some went on foot and some On horses. When they far had gone, the prince Said to the youth: "Now listen, friend. When we Arrive thou must not name my family And rank. I'm someone from another town. It doth not please me to declare my rank To strangers. Should the girl my sister prove, Thou mayst tell all, for I shall soon return." Thus speaking, the young prince his way maintained, And soon arrived near to the city sought. He Sinapati left, and went within The gates, with four companions, true as steel, And six attendants. They at once repaired To the _campong_ of good Lila Djouhara. They found it closed, with a forsaken look. "There's no one here. The King hath taken all Away, both old and young," said the _mandar_. Then Sinapati beat his breast and said: "What hath become of my dear patron, then?" "Be not disturbed. No harm hath come to him. The merchant with the King hath gone, because The King hath married Bidasari fair, And made of her a queen, and built a fine New palace in the country wild. There all Is joy and happiness." Beyond all count Was Sinapati glad to hear these words. Then to the prince he said: "My gracious lord, Lila Djouhara's near at hand. He is In highest favor with the King, and bears A title new." They hurried forth to find His residence. "It is the left _campong_," Remarked a country-man. "Thy lord is grand 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 like 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 Replied: "I'm but a humble stranger, come 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. "And if I only knew," he said, "where now She is, I'd be her master's willing slave." Now when Lila Mengindra heard his tale His joy was quite unspeakable. His love For Bidasari's brother greater grew. With smiles he asked: "Now, Poutra Bangsawan, Say of what family thou art, that I May aid thee in thy quest, and help thee find Thy sister." Then the young prince bowed his head And pondered, "Shall I lie?" For he knew not If 'twere his sister. Lila saw his mood And said: "Be not disturbed. It is most sure That thy dear sister's here. So speak the truth, That my old heart may be surcharged with joy. Thy sister's seated on a throne, and like A brilliant jewel is her family. Be no more sorry. As for me, my heart Is full of joy."

The prince looked in his face And said: "Can I confide in him? I am A stranger here and fear to be deceived." Said Sinapati: "Speak not thus, I pray, For everybody knows this man can tell Ten-carat gold from dross. Now list, my lord. Although he bids me silent be, a prince He is, son of a powerful king, and comes To seek his sister." Then within his heart The former merchant much rejoiced, as if He'd found a mountain of pure gems. He paid His homage to the prince in proper form, And took him into his abode, to meet His wife and all within. The spouses two To him exclaimed: "Dear prince, in our old age We're very happy. When thy sister sweet We found, o'erjoyed were we. And now the King Hath married her, and raised her to the throne. He hath our family to noble rank Upraised, and covered us with benefits." Then smiling said the prince: "I learn with joy My sister sweet is here. When may I go Before the King and see her? For I've come To take her home. And yet I fear the King Will never let her go away from him. When I have seen her I'll return again." In three days' time the King gave audience. The former merchant with him took the prince, Who sent the richest presents on before. The princeling was most gorgeously attired And bore himself with haughty dignity. His robe was rich, his tunic violet And fire. His many-colored turban bore Bright agates. At his girdle hung his kriss. He was entirely clad as prince should be, And bracelets wore with little bells and rings. His leggings were embroidered with bright flowers Called _pouspa angatan_. He seemed divine-- His beauty was extraordinary. Pearls In numbers countless covered all his garb; An amulet he had with sacred verse From the Koran, a diamond pure. He rode A steed most richly housed, with _shabraque _decked With gleaming jewels casting rays of light. Twas thus the prince set out to meet the King. Lila Mengindra with him went. The prince Approached the King's pavilion, and at once The King remarked his beauty and his mien Of noble grace. "Who can he be?" he thought. Meanwhile the prince dismounted and appeared Before the King. Full seven times he bowed And said, "O may your happiness increase, Illustrious sovereign!"

Then the King with smiles Lila Mengindra questioned, "Who is this Thou hither bringest, of such noble mien And amiable face?"

With humble bow The former merchant said: "This slave of thine Has come from lands remote, from Kembajat, Upon the seashore, since thy Majesty He wished to see. His presents few he sent Before him, which he hopes thou wilt accept." The former merchant thought: "I would his rank Divulge. But some might think I lied because The King hath Bidasari wed, and if She knew she was a princess born she might Be very vain and haughty."

To the prince The King was very friendly. "Come and sit Here by my side," he said, "for thee I deem A brother." "Let me here remain, my lord, I am a poor unworthy servitor. I hope that thou wilt pardon me. I would I might become a subject of thy crown." The King thought: "This may be some royal heir Who here hath wandered. He resembles much Our Bidasari, Pity 'tis that he Unto another nation doth belong." Then pleasantly he said: "Pray, truly tell What is thine origin? Keep nothing back. What is thy name? The whole truth let me know." The young prince bowed him low and said: "My name Is Poutra Bangsawan, of family Most humble. I am searching everywhere To find a sister lost. When she is found I shall return at once." Then said the King: "Where is thy sister? I will help thy search. Stay here with me a month or two, that we May learn to know each other and become Fast friends." The young prince then obeisance made And said: "I bear thine orders on my head. Thou art a king illustrious, and I A humble servitor. I am the son Of good Lila Mengindra, but for long I've absent been. My sister dear I seek. Thine aid I do bespeak. From Kembajat I come, a subject of thy father there, the King. Forgive me, lord, for now thou knowest all." The King rejoiced to hear a voice that seemed So much like Bidasari's, and inquired Of Sinapati, "Tell me now his race." Then Sinapati bowed and said: "My lord, Of princes and of caliphs is his race. His kingdom, not so far, is most superb; His palace is most beautiful and grand. Swift ships within the harbor lie, all well Equipped." At this the King enchanted was, To find a prince was brother to his wife. Still more he asked and Sinapati said: "Because his realm was ravaged by the foe He hath misfortunes suffered manifold." Then knew the King he was of royal blood And had adversity experienced. The King came from his throne and said, "My friend, My palace enter." So the King and prince Went in. They met fair Bidasari there. She sat beside a Chinese window quaint, All choicely carved. She saw the King and thought, "What fine young man is this he bringeth here?" When they were seated all, the young prince looked At Bidasari: "Beautiful is she," He thought, "my sister dear, and very like My father." Then the King with smiling face Said: "Bidasari, darling, speak to him. He is thy younger brother, come to seek Thee here. From Kembajat he came. And thy Dear father mourns for thee the livelong day." At this fair Bidasari sighed. She bowed Her head and silence kept. She much was moved Because she had not known her parents true, But fancied them Djouhara and his wife. "I'm but a merchant's daughter," finally She said. "Things all uncertain this young prince Hath told. If I'm the daughter of a King, Why hath he left me here, and never sought For me through all these years? 'Tis not so far From here to Kembajat." The young prince bowed. "Thy words I bear upon my head," he said, "O sister dear. Pray banish from thy heart All hatred. If thou'rt lowly born, I am Likewise. Our realm was ravaged at thy birth. But shortly afterward fair peace returned, And to his own my father came again. I've seen how much he suffers in his heart. Thy name he never utters without tears-- He never hath forgotten thee. Forgive Him, then, in what he was remiss. Except For stern necessity he never would Have thee abandoned."

Then the King with smiles Said: "Speak to him, my dear. He tells the truth. Thy parents wandered through a desert land Beneath a cruel sun. Impossible It was to carry thee through brier and brush." Down at his sister's feet the young prince knelt. Then Bidasari clasped him in her arms. The brave young prince to them recounted all The sorrows of his parents. Much he wept, And they wept, too, as he the story told. Then sat they down to dine. And afterward They _siri_ took and perfumes of all kinds. Then the young prince took leave. "Where goest thou, My brother?" asked the King. "I fain would go Straight home to my dear parents," said the prince. But, with a voice affectionate, the King Replied: "Seek not Lila Mengindra. Here Thou shouldst remain, for thou hast met within This palace thy dear sister. There is room Enough for thee. Stay here with all thy folk And retinue." The prince bowed low, and forth Unto the merchant went, and to him said: "Within the palace now I shall remain With all my retinue, for thus the King Commands." The merchant said: "'Tis very well For where can one lodge better than within The palace?" So the prince returned, with all His people, to the palace of the King. Then all the _mantris_ came, and festivals And feasts were held. As long as he remained At Indrapura, the young prince received All courtesies. And Bidasari fair Was known as daughter of a mighty king. The news was carried far and wide, and all Repeated how her brother brave had come To seek for her.

Queen Lila Sari heard And was surprised. She sighed in solitude, And felt a woe unspeakable. She said To a _mandar_: "I was in too much haste. On the _dyangs_ I counted, but they come No more. All four have gone and homage paid To Bidasari. All my tricks are foiled. In no one can I trust." Dang Lila then Approached and said: "Acts of unfaithfulness Bring never happiness. God's on the side Of loyalty. Now those _dyangs_ are sad And languish after thee, but fear the King, Dost thou not think, O Queen, thou ill hast wrought? For while the King is absent none will come Thy heart to cheer." The Queen replied with ire: "Seek not to consolation give. The King Esteems me not. I'll not humiliate Myself before him. Who is that young prince, So called, who hither came? A pirate's son He well may prove, and calls himself a prince. Go ye, _dyangs_, pay service to the King, And he may favor ye as he did her." She seemed most wroth. But she repented sore In truth, and pined away in sorrow deep. In other days she had no wish nor whim Unsatisfied. Now all were for the King. The Queen's heart angrier grew from day to day As if a scorpion's sting had wounded her. And her distress grew greater when she thought Upon the love of other days. Her heart Was inconsolable because so bitterly She missed the pomp and glory of her court. But Bidasari to the King one day Said: "Send back these _mendars_; for if they all Stay here, Queen Lila Sari all alone Will be." The King with smiles replied: "Oh, no! I will not let them go. She is so fell And barbarous, she no one loves. She is Much better all alone." Then to the King Fair Bidasari said: "Thine anger was Too prompt. She spoke in wrath because she was Accustomed to a court. In what to thee Hath she been wanting, that thou shouldst repel Her thus? Thou gav'st her love, and now thou dost Abandon her in sorrow. Be not thus Incensed with her, for should she come to want The shame would be reflected on thy head." The King's face lighted, and he said: "My dear, I went to see her, but she drove me forth With bitter words. Her conduct was beyond All bearing. And she heaped on me abuse." But Princess Bidasari said: "Dwell not On that, my friend. She was disturbed by wrath And jealousy. In other days thou didst Embrace and kiss her. Now she is alone. And thou perchance didst somehow hurt Or bruise her body." All his anger left The King at this. He said: "O purest soul, Thou speakest well and wisely. How could I Not love thee, dear, and cling to thee for life? Oh, never may we separated be! Branch of my heart, light of my eyes, thou dost But good desire. Thou'rt all the world to me. I'll go to her, since thou doth ask. Perchance A reconciliation may be made. But she must first admit her faults. If she Repentance shows, to see her I will go." The merchant's wife had come and heard these words. Her warm tears fell. She thought within herself, "My daughter hath no vengeance in her heart." Then Dang Bidouri brought delicious rice Unto the King and Queen. They ate and drank, And stronger grew their love from hour to hour. Then gave the King commands to call the prince. He came with smiling face and graceful bows. "Sit here beside us," said the King, and all The three dined there together, royal ones, Surrounded by deft servants and _dyangs_. They chatted gayly, and, with laughter, ate. When all was finished, from the betel-box The King of _siri_ took, perfumed himself, And then the prince retired.

When two short months Had fled, the prince bethought him of his home And parents. To himself he said, "I'll go." He gave commands to preparation make For his departure. "I am loath to leave My sister," he to Sinapati said. "My life is joyous here. But there at home I've left my parents in solicitude." Then Sinapati bowed and said, "With thee I'll go."

SONG V