Chapter 6

A certain day the _mantris_ came Before the King, in the pavilion grand. And with them came the youthful prince, and cast Himself before the throne. The King with smiles Said: "Sit thou at my side, my brother dear, I have not seen thee for a day entire." The princeling bowed and said: "My gracious lord If thou wilt pardon me, I would return And give my parents dear the joyful news. My father bade me seek my sister lost, And still he nothing knows of her good fate." The King replied with sorrow: "Brother mine, Why wilt thou go so soon? We scarcely are Acquainted, and I have not had enough Of thy dear company." The prince replied: "Oh, be not sorrowful, my gracious lord. As soon as I have my dear father seen I'll tell him what good things have come to pass. 'Twill soothe his heart to hear my sister's joy. My parents will be glad in learning all Thy goodness great. And pray consider me Thy subject leal. Soon I'll return again." The King's emotion grew. With pleasant voice He said: "Take counsel of thy sister. Heed What she may say." They found the Queen within, Fair Bidasari, and attending her Dyang Agous Djouhari. All sat down And took some _siri_ from the betel-box. The Queen to the young prince then spoke: "Come here. My brother, why have I thy face not seen For two long days?" With bows the prince replied: "I've had a multitude of things to do. Thus came I not; for my companions all 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 Observed 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 I'll not resist. I'm happy here with thee, But our dear parents are in cruel doubt, And look for news of thee. Now that I know Thy husband is a king, our parents dear Would be so overjoyed to learn it too!" Then spoke the King with face all radiant, "Return not, brother mine," he said. "I'll send Swift messengers to bear the gladsome news That Bidasari's found. Then, if he wills, Thy royal father here we'll hope to see. I'll go myself to meet him when he comes." The young prince bowed and said: "Nay, rather send Thy messengers, a great king cannot go So far away." Queen Bidasari heard These words and much rejoiced, and gayly gave Her brother then her betel-box.

The King Caressed his wife and said, "My dearest soul, Love not thy brother more than me." He called Lila Mengindra. Soon the merchant came Before the King and prince. The King exclaimed: "Come here, my uncle. Tell me, wilt thou take A letter to the King of Kembajat-- To prove to him we live?"

So spake the King And called his counsellor of state, who came And kissed his hands. The King then bade him write A letter, all in characters of gold. "Well," cried the King, "let's hear the letter now," "Now glory be to God," it thus began, And all fair Bidasari's history Recited. Then the King a mighty host Assembled and with elephants and steeds Ten _mantris_ took the letter of the prince Unto his parents. With the cavalcade There went a _laksimana_ great, who bore, As king's ambassador, bejewelled flags And standards rich, and presents of much worth. Then Sinapati by the King was called A _laksimana mantri_, and received A fine equipment, with a hundred men To follow him. 'Twas thus the King preserved His reputation as a mighty king.

When he had sent the embassy, the King Went to his wife, and they were very gay. His love for her grew greater every day. The former merchant also was beloved. He gave the King good counsel, and obeyed His orders willingly. He often dined Together with the King and Queen. His wealth Grew vast. No one at all could with him vie, In Indrapura. He was much attached To the chief _mantri_. They were equals both In prudence, wisdom, and fidelity, With power unquestioned over all the folk. Beneath their sway prosperity increased, And many merchants came from far and wide. The kingdom was at peace. The King rejoiced, And everyone was happy in the land.

SONG VI

The _laksimana mantri_ now I'll sing, Who went upon the embassy. As soon As the great King of Kembajat had news Of his arrival, he was much rejoiced. He told the Queen, and in the audience-hall Awaited. Then went forth the officers With elephants and _payongs_. A countless throng Attended them, with music and with flags. They met the embassy, and, with rich gifts, They gave the King's commands. Into the town Then entered all. The King was very glad, As if his only daughter had returned. All bowed before the King, who took the gifts, While servants took the letter to the chief Of _mantris_. And he gave it to the King, The monarch read, and was possessed with joy. He could not thank enough the merchant good, Who raised his daughter to a royal throne. He wished forthwith to go and see his child. The letter cordial invitation gave. But one thing troubled him: "He straight inquired, 'Hath not the prince, my son, the liberty To come back home?'" The _laksimana_ bowed And said: "The King wished not to let him come And begged with tears that he would stay. The Queen Feared if her brother went she'd never see Her father. From your children both I bring Warm greetings. Kind indulgence from your heart They ask, and press their invitation. I Crave pardon for myself, O King, and hope Thy children dear may see their father's face, And that the kingdoms may become one realm." At these words smiled the King. "Ah, well!" he said, "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 _siri_-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." The King his heralds ordered then to call Lila Mengindra. With a smile he said To him: "Assemble in the square the folk And army. Straight to my pavilion let Them come, and all in holiday attire, For I my father am to meet to-day." Lila Mengindra bowed and hied him forth To execute the orders of the King. The King within his palace went, and sat Upon a jewelled seat. The Queen was there, And good Lila Mengindra at her side. The King said smilingly: "Light of my eyes, Let all the palace decorated be. Assemble all the palace folk and all The younger girls. For now without the gates Our parents wait. To-morrow I shall go To meet them." Then Queen Bidasari cried, With smiles: "My brother they have come to see. I cannot go before them and declare Myself their daughter." But the young prince said: "Oh, speak not thus, my sister, but give heed To what I say to thee, and be not wroth. If I'm the only one they love, alone I'll go with them away." Then to the King He said: "With my dear sister I but jest, To quiet her alarms." He bowed before the King And asked permission forth to go at once To meet his father. "Nay," replied the King, "We'll go together." A repast was served With every kind of food. The royal three Together ate. Then from the betel-box They _siri_ took, and perfumes sweet they used. The prince then from the palace forth did go. Next day the King invited him to start With him upon the royal progress. All The banners waved, and everyone was glad. Then to the Queen he said: "Stay here, my love, And I will hither bring thy father dear." These words rejoiced the Queen. She said: "Go forth, My dear, and I will follow with my eyes." The King then took his leave with the young prince, With many _mantris_ following. The strains Of gladsome music sounded. All the bells Were rung, and those without the cavalcade Were sad.

Ere long they came to the frontier, And King met King. The folk of Kembajat Were all astonished at the young King's face, As beautiful as painter's masterpiece. The old King looked with smiles on all. His joy Was great. The King of Indrapura bowed Respectfully, and made them bring to him The elephant that bore 'neath gay _payong_ His consort's father. "Son, where goest thou?" "I've come to seek thee." Then the old King said: "Why didst thou come in person? 'Twould have been Enough if thou hadst _mantris_ sent instead." His joy o'erflowed his heart. His son-in-law He greatly loved. Upon his elephant He said: "Approach, my son, thou art a king Renowned. Thy body and thy soul are both Alike, and both of royal stock!" He pressed Him in his arms and said: "Light of my eyes, Almighty God hath heard my many prayers, And granted me a perfect son-in-law." The King of Indrapura bowed and smiled Most graciously. Then to the young prince said His father: "Mount, my son, beside me, here." The young prince mounted at his father's side. He was as beautiful as chiselled gold.

Within the town the kings made entry then Amid a joyous throng. When they had come, The former merchant bowed before them both, The _mangkouboumi_ now. The mighty King Of Indrapura bowed and said: "My sire, Speak to my uncle here; for he brought up Thy daughter." Scarcely had the old King heard These words than he exclaimed with joy: "Come here, My brother, let us now acquaintance make." The old King, seated on his elephant, Shed all about him rays of happiness, And all the people there were greatly moved. "This is my brother well beloved," he said, And kissed his brow. "How great hath been his love, His faithfulness has proved beyond compare." The former merchant bowed, and to the King Replied: "I am thy slave, O King, and bear Thine orders on my head. Thou dost o'erwhelm Thy servant with thy favor." Then upon The royal throne, which was all gem-bedecked, The old King sat, the young prince at his side, With all the _mantris_ near. Then came the Queen Consort. The prince and Bidasari fair Came from their seats, their mother to receive. All entered then the palace. The young Queen, Fair Bidasari, bowed and was embraced By both her parents. With a flood of tears Her father said: "Alas, my darling child, Fruit of my heart, light of my eyes, keep not A hatred in thy soul against us now. The will of God is now made manifest. We long have separated been. At last We see each other with our very eyes. Great wrong we did thus to abandon thee, But still let not thy heart a stranger be To us. Peace later came to our dear land-- Such was our destiny. What could we do? We were in flight. We thought, 'May God decree Some honorable man shall find her here!' How can we now be glad enough 'twas thus Ordained! What recompense can we present?" Sweet Bidasari wept as she recalled The past. The King her husband was much moved, And felt great pity when her tears he saw. And all were sad with sorrow mixed with joy, Because they knew she was of royal birth. Food now was served, and quickly the _dyangs_ Brought salvers for the princes. The two kings Ate of the rice till they were surfeited, Then to their children offered it. All took The _siri_ placed before them, and straightway Themselves anointed with rare perfumes sweet. When all had eaten, the five royal ones Lila Mengindra called, and gave to him The remnants of the feast. The kings then spoke To him and to his wife. They both bowed low And kissed the royal hands. Then said the King Of Kembajat: "My children, I had planned-- In case we ever met on earth and ere The prey of death became--a feast to give, To last a month, and to it ye invite. In triumph I my daughter fain would bear, With all of ye. I would at once repair Unto the isle of Nousa Antara, And there I'd hold a royal festival With all the members of our family, And all the _bitis_, _mandars_, and _dyangs_. Such was my plan--if ever I should find My daughter dear. Now while this moon doth last Let me the project see fulfilled before Your parents come to die."

The gracious King Of Indrapura at these words bowed low And said: "I bear thy words upon my head. It shall be done as thou hast wished, my King." And when the evening came all was prepared. Soft mattresses were spread, and the two queens Betook them to their chambers, and the rich Egyptian curtains fell. They vainly sought to sleep. They talked together of their sorrows past And evil days. And neither kings nor queens That night could slumber.

At the break of day The talking bird began to sing and prate. A little later the _bajangs_ began Their song. Then all arose, and bathed, and broke Their fast, and chattered and amused themselves. The King of Indrapura then gave word Unto the _mangkouboumi_: "All prepare That's necessary, ere the moon be full. Get ready all the various kinds of ships, And load them down with every sort of arms. Prepare all sorts of games to pass the time, And get in order all the cannons great And fire-arms. Thus the King commands."

Straightway The _mangkouboumi_ bowed before the King, And went his orders to obey. He made The ships all ready, with new paint and gold. When three were well equipped, on board he took The people of the city. All the old Were left behind, but of the young none stayed. Then to the King the _mangkouboumi_ said, "All is prepared." At this the King rejoiced, And to the King of Kembajat sent word, Who told his wife, and she was all aglow. They started from the palace, kings and queen And prince, and lovely Bidasari, too, Attended by the courtiers all. The strains Of music sounded and the bells were rung. All those whose lot it was to stay at home Were pained, as if a knife had stricken them. The cannons roared; the royal banners waved.

In three days' sail they reached the island fair, Of Nousa Antara, and the ships made fast. The two queens sat and watched the deft _dyangs_ Take up the coral white and pink, and toyed With pretty shells. The King set foot upon The isle of Nousa Antara. The King And his dear wife upon the shore came forth, With their sweet daughter Bidasari pure. The King of Indrapura with them went, The prince walked near them on the left.

The King Of Indrapura ordered that a tent Be raised, and one was made. It was as large As any palace, set with royal throne. The two queens entered it and sought repose. The prince before his father bowed and said, "My royal father, let me go and hunt." To this the King of Kembajat replied, "Do what thou dost desire, light of my eyes." The King of Indrapura said with smiles, "I'll go with thee to hunt, my brother dear." The prince replied, "I shall in truth be charmed, My brother." "Forth we'll fare to-morrow morn," Returned the King of Indrapura. "Call The folk together."

When the dawn appeared, The King and prince together started forth, Escorted by a band of hunters tried, And beat the woods for game. The King and prince And all their following made rapid work. The game took flight. The King then drew his bow And many animals were killed. A deer Came running by. His arrow struck him full Upon the shoulder, and the huntsmen seized And quickly killed him. In the pathless woods Of Nousa Antara there was much game. A tiger roared, the King and prince pursued. The tiger swiftly fled. The prince sat down Within the forest deep. To overtake The beast he was unable. To return He sought, but could not find the way. Alone He was, and in perplexity, because His huntsmen he no longer could descry. Then, wandering to and fro, he found at last A pleasure garden of the days gone by, Belonging to King Lila, beautiful And without flaw. He was astonished quite When he perceived a palace. All alone He found himself, when he had entered there. He walked about, but found no living soul. Unto himself he said: "Can this domain A habitation be of demons dread And spirits? Can this be the cause of all The solitude which reigns?" On all sides then He looked. All suddenly a voice he heard, But still no one could see. Amazed he stood. The mystic voice exclaimed, "Have pity, lord, And free me from this room." As in a dream The prince these accents heard. He answered then: "Who art thou? Whose strange voice is this I hear, The while I no one see? Dost thou belong Unto the race of demons and of spectres? Where is the key, that I may ope the door?" Then the _dyang_ of Mendoudari said Unto the prince: "Look toward the left, for there The key thou'lt find that opes the palace tower." He took the key and opened wide the door. All those who were within, when they beheld The prince's face, fell prostrate at his feet. To them the prince cried out: "Say to what race Ye do belong. This quickly tell. And whose This palace beautiful?" Then answered him Dang Tjindra Melini: "O Royal prince, We are God's creatures, like to thee. And this Fair palace of the King Lila is now By Ifrid occupied, a spirit-king, With whom now lives the prince illustrious, Lila. His daughter, Princess Mendoudari, Is shut alone within a chamber here, And Ifrid, king of spirits, cometh oft. On every third day cometh he. His eyes Are brilliant as the sun." When this he heard The prince was glad. The room he entered then. The Princess Mendoudari sought to flee. "Where wouldst thou go, my friend," he said. "I've sought And found thee. Do not flee away from me." The Princess Mendoudari said with tears: "And art thou mad enough hither to come? The spirits will destroy thee without doubt." These words rejoiced the prince, and to her then He sang a low sweet song of love and wooing. The princess answered with a dreamy chant. And when the young prince heard her gentle lay He felt a yearning pity for her fate. "Be not afraid, my dear," he said, "for I Will triumph over all thine enemies." Then Dang Sendari served them dainty food; And what was left, to her the princess gave. The prince too _siri_ from the betel-box And rare sweet perfumes used. When evening came, A soft couch for the prince was spread. And then The princess sought her room, and curtains drew Of rich Egyptian stuff. The prince had asked, "When comes the spirit-king?" And she had said, "At early dawn." The young prince could not sleep, But through the long night hours sang soft _pantoums_. When daylight came the prince arose. He heard A spirit coming to the palace. Then with fear Was seized the princess fair. "Behold," she cried, "He cometh." Then the young prince took his arms. "Fear not," he said; "have confidence in God. What he decrees must always come to pass. If I'm destroyed, then follow me in death. I only ask one thing of thee, my love. When I am dead, I pray thee weep for me, And let thy mantle be my winding-sheet. Now let thy glances follow as I go."

I'll tell of Ifrid now--the spirit-king. He lurked beneath the palace. When he heard The princess talking with the prince his ire Arose like burning flame. His cry was like A thunder-burst. The very palace shook. "Depart from here," unto the prince he roared, "And feel my mighty power." Then sweet love-songs Exchanging with the princess went he forth. His mien was like Sang Samba's, and his face Was nobly firm, as if he went to meet A roaring tiger. At his side he wore A rare carbuncled sword, and arrows bore With points in deadly poison dipped. Ifrid, The creature with two heads, like spectre came With laughter horrid. He took up a stone And hurled it at the prince, who dodged its flight. Then full of wrath Ifrid upon him rushed. But swift the prince let fly an arrow sharp, And pierced his heart. One groan, and then he fell, And died beside the river. Then the prince Made haste to join the princess.

When she saw The spirit Ifrid dead she much rejoiced And bowed before the prince. Great gladness shone In her fair face, because her woe had ceased, And she was happy that 'twas to the prince She owed her rescue. 'Twas as if she'd found A mountain great of jewels. Then she said: "Caliph a high divinity once was And called himself King Lila. God will bless Thee for thy deeds, O mighty prince."