Chapter 7

The prince With kisses said: "Thou hast a charming mouth. Thy form is supple. Prithee tell me why I should not love thee? Thou art beautiful As a statue of pure gold, and thou shalt be A princess in my palace. Well I know Thine origin is noble, and thy race Is high." They gayly chatted while some food Was served. The prince, with pleasure, at the side Of the fair princess ate. When all was done He took some _siri_ from the betel-box And perfumes used. "Thou art a jasmine sweet," He said, "an antidote to every ill, And thou shalt be my wife."

Next day the prince Took her behind him on his horse, and they Departed. The _dyangs_ accompanied them.

Now will I tell about the _mantris_ all. Until the fall of evening, with the King Of Indrapura, they in waiting stayed, To welcome back the prince. And much disturbed They were that he delayed so long to come. The King then bade them seek the prince, and see Why he remained so long apart from them. Then _mantris_ four set out, and hunted far And wide, but found him not. They brought the news That he could not be found. The King was sad And ordered them to go and tell the King, His wife's dear father, that the prince was lost. The old King fainted when he heard the tale. With oil of rose they sprinkled him, and back Unto his senses came he. "O my child," He said, "my heart hath lost all hope. Where now Art thou? I'll go, myself, to seek."

The King Wept much, and his dear wife. And as for her-- Sweet Bidasari--she appeared to wish To kill herself, for never on the earth Did brother love his sister like the prince And Bidasari. At the fall of day Back came the King of Indrapura, sad And weeping. Then the King of Kembajat Said: "O my son, be silent. Do not weep, For thou dost but increase the pain I feel." But Indrapura's King replied: "Alas! He was my brother true, so brave and good!" But while they were lamenting thus the prince Stood there before them with his consort fair. He bowed to all. The King, his father, saw And could not speak. He thought, "It is the voice Of my dear son." Then recognition came And he was wild with joy. The prince then told How he had chased the tiger, and had lost His way within a wood: how he had killed A spirit there, Ifrid, the dread.

The King Heard all he said and much rejoiced. Then came The servants serving tasteful food to all. The King ate with his wife and children dear. Together they were six. All sorts of rare And dainty food were served them, and the King Took _siri_ from the betel-box, and used Sweet perfumes. The great King of Kembajat Then gave a festival which lasted quite Seven days, with music and diversions gay. Glad joy was at its height, of pleasure born And of the dance. The kings amused themselves. All kinds of games they had. Intji Bibi, A singer of Malacca, sang with grace. The seven days passed, the Princess Mendoudari Was all in finery arrayed. The wives Of the two kings took her in hand. The prince Was by the _mangkouboumi_ ta'en in charge. The princess sweetest perfumes did exhale. Her manners were most gracious and polite As of a well-born person. Every sort Of gem and jewel sparkled from her robes. She wore a ring--'twas _astokouna_ called-- And yet another one, _glangkano_ named, And still another, with bright stones all carved In fashion of Ceylon. Her tresses curled Like to a full-blown flower, and on them shone Full many precious stones. The _tourie_ buds Became her well. Her features were as bright As those of some celestial being pure. Fair Mendoudari thus was clad, and led To the bride's seat, and at her either hand Stood _mantris'_ daughters seven with waving fans. Meanwhile the _mangkouboumi_ patiently Achieved the tiring of the prince. He wore A royal crown, made in the island fair Called Nousa Antara, and a rich coat Which opened at the sides, made in the West. A chiselled necklace hung about his neck. His tunic flamed with orange, like the robe Of great Schahid Schah Pri. His girdle bright Was cloth of _tjindi_, fringed with agates rare. An amulet he wore with diamond pure, With sacred words engraved of the Koran. He wore a jewel like a butterfly, Most beautiful, and many rings and gems. His features of the rarest beauty were, Like those of some divinity of heaven. When thus arrayed, the youthful prince came forth And made obeisance to his parents both. He went to the appointed place, and all The children of the court assembled there Before him, while two sons of heralds stood Beside him, waving fans like floating clouds. All kept the strictest silence. Then a band Of soldiers came, with blades all glittering. The royal sword, all diamond decked, flashed rays Of light. Three times around the island went They all, with sound of music and the noise Of bells. And all who heard in vain essayed To estimate the number. Everyone Ran forth to see the progress--men and women. Some tore their garments, some their children lost, Distracted by the pleasure and the noise. When ended the procession, the young prince At Princess Mendoudari's right was placed, Within the palace. Then to them was brought Rice called _adapadap_, and they became A wedded pair. And all the folk dispersed. In three days' time was Mendoudari dressed Anew by Bidasari. She was robed With vesture of embroidered silk. The prince Was likewise gayly clad, to suit the glad Occasion. Now again they made, in state, A royal progress round about the isle. The King and Bidasari rode in one Grand chariot, and, within another, went The prince and Mendoudari, his fair bride. Then back they came for rest, upon the soft Rich palace cushions. Then the mighty King Of Kembajat inquired of his dear wife: "What think'st thou, love? Shall we to-morrow morn Return?" With smiles the Queen replied, "I bear Thine orders on my head." Next day the hearts Of all the royal company were filled With joy. The officers assembled then To take the King's commands, and he was pleased To see them dutiful. The following morn The song of the _bajans_ awaked the King. At early dawn each princess with her lord, And all the officers, embarked upon The ship. They sailed far from the island fair, Nousa Antara, and in three days came To Indrapura and the river's mouth. When at the palace they arrived again, The _mantris_ came in joy and kissed their hands. The King of Kembajat said that he wished To go. Scarce had fair Indrapura's King Heard that his parents to their home desired At once to go, when he the _mantris_ called And orders gave. The King of Kembajat Set out with his dear wife next day at dawn. Within the palace of their daughter sweet They met fair Indrapura's King. The King Of Kembajat sat at his side, and said In softest tones: "Well, Bidasari, child, Thy parents now will homeward fare. Obey The King, thy gracious husband, in all things. The former merchant brought thee up. He will A father be to thee. Strive hard to win Thy husband's heart, and never disregard His wishes." Scarcely had she heard these words Than at her father's knees she fell, and shed A flood of tears. The King embraced his child And, weeping, said: "My daughter dear, pure gold, My crown's chief gem, light of my very eyes, Branch of my heart, be not disturbed, my soul, Nor let thy heart be sad." The royal four All wept together. Then the father said: "My son, accomplished prince, we trust to thee Our Bidasari. Show her the right path If she aside should step, for hither she As prisoner came. Correction should she need, For us it will not be a shame." At this Fair Indrapura's King was greatly moved. He bowed and said: "My father, speak not thus. I have the best opinion of the girl. Our hearts are one, as body with the soul. This kingdom all is hers, the guardian I Of her possessions, and I'll satisfy Her every wish." The King with joy replied: "Well, daughter, jewel of my crown, thou art No more beneath my sway, but wholly now Under the orders of thy husband dear." He much was moved, and to the _mangkouboumi_ Said, "Brother, take my treasures all, for we Can never all thy goodness recompense." The former merchant and his wife bowed low: "Your gratitude, O prince, is great, but all Thy treasures are thy royal daughter's meed. For her we'll guard them." But the King replied: "Nay, speak not thus, my brother. Should I give All Indrapura's weight in purest gold It would not pay thee for thy care and love. We are to thee devoted from our hearts." At dawn they breakfasted, but all were sad, Because from Bidasari now must part Her parents dear and brother. Much she wept Because she felt her heart go out to him Her brother. Then she said: "I've one to take The place of parents, but where shall I find A brother?" Princess Mendoudari bowed To Bidasari, and they kissed with tears. Fair Bidasari said: "My sister dear, Sweet Mendoudari, when wilt thou return? Stay not too long at Kembajat, for I Could not thine absence bear. Farewell, my love." The King embraced his daughter. Bitterly Both wept. The royal father said, "Stay here, My son-in-law, with thy dear wife." The King Before his parents bowed. The youthful prince Before the King his brother bowed, and went To Bidasari's side, his sister dear, With heavy heart. Then, weeping much, he said: "O sister mine, gem of my crown, be not So sorrowful. I go, but if thou dost Desire, I'll come each year to visit thee." Sweet Bidasari kissed him. But her grief Was inexpressible. "O brother dear, Illustrious prince," she said, "thine absence would E'en then be much too long." The prince replied, With bows: "Assuage thy grief, my sister dear. For if the King permits, perhaps I may Come sooner back to thee."

The mighty King Of Indrapura said, in friendly tones: "Although he be thy brother, still, my dear, I love him much. We ne'er have had the least Misunderstanding. Why art thou not gay? And why art thou not willing he should go? If 'twere not for thy father I would keep Him here."

The King departed, followed by His son, who took his father just beyond The gates. The _mangkouboumi_ bowed his head Before the King, who with much ardor said, "O father of dear Bidasari, give Aid and protection to thy lovely child." The _mangkouboumi_ bowed again, and said: "Whate'er is fit, I'll do. Upon my head I bear thine orders. I thy servant am." The prince embraced the former merchant too, And said, "O uncle dear, my sister guide, And counsel her if any fault she doth." Then said the King of Kembajat, "My son, Come, let us start at once."

So forth he fared. The prince and all the escort with him went. A few days passed and they were home again. New garments to the escort all were given, And many presents to the officers. By _mantris_ four the King rich treasures sent Unto his children loved, with many steeds And elephants. When safely they arrived At Indrapura, they appeared before The _mangkouboumi_. He presented them Unto the King, and said: "O sire, these gifts Are from thy son." The King replied: "Why dost Thou bring them here, my uncle? Keep them all In thine own treasury." Then he retired Within and said to Bidasari sweet: "Thy father, dear, hath sent us presents rare, And four young _mantris_, and a thousand men With elephants and horses. All is thine." The fair young Queen with smiles to him replied: "All that with me to share thou dost desire. Whatever be thy wish, I wish it too." The King adored his wife, and was to her Devoted. His great happiness increased And his domains extended every year. When Bidasari's royal birth was known, The news spread far and wide, and everywhere Was told. The realm of Indrapura grew More populous and powerful year by year.

The wicked Princess Lila Sari lived Alone and desolate, in sadness deep And full repentance for her evil deeds.

This song is weak because my skill is small. My heart was deeply stirred. And that is why I made, poor fakir I, this poem here. I have not made it long, because too sad I was, and troubled. Now at last 'tis done. For this, at least, your blessings I deserve.

THE END.

SEDJARET MALAYOU

LEGENDS OF THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

[Translated by M. Devic and Chauncey C. Starkweather]

Once upon a time lived King Iskender, son of King Darab. He traced his origin to Roum; Macedonia was his native country, and Dhoul-Garnein his surname. Now it happened that this prince set out upon his travels to find the place where the sun rose; and he arrived at the frontier of India. There reigned in this country a very powerful king, to whom half of India was in subjection; and his name was King Kida Hindi. As soon as King Kida Hindi heard of King Iskender's approach, he gave orders to his prime minister, who gathered together the armies and princes who were subject to him. When all were met together, he marched forth to meet King Iskender. The two armies engaged and the conflict was carried on with extreme activity on both sides, as is related in the history of King Iskender. Kida Hindi was defeated and taken alive. Iskender ordered him to embrace the true faith, and Kida Hindi embraced the faith and became enrolled in the religion of the prophet Abraham, the friend of God, to whom be the glory! Then King Iskender caused him to be clothed in a garment like his own, and bade him return to his own country.

King Kida Hindi was the father of a very beautiful girl, whose equal was not to be found in her day. Her face had the dazzling lustre of the sun or the moon; she was modest and discreet. Her name was Chehr-el- Beria. King Kida Hindi took his prime minister aside and said to him:

"I have summoned you to ask your advice on the subject of my daughter, whose equal in these days cannot be found. I have formed the project of presenting her to King Iskender."

The minister answered: "Your Majesty has made a wise decision."

"Very well," replied the King, "to-morrow, God willing, you shall go and find the prophet Khidar and relate to him the whole matter."

Next day accordingly the minister set out to find the prophet Khidar. After his departure King Kida Hindi commanded that the name of King Iskender should be inscribed on the coins and standards of his realm. When the minister approached the prophet Khidar he made a salaam to him, which the prophet returned and asked him to be seated. Then the minister spoke as follows:

"You must know, O prophet of God, that my King entertains for King Iskender an affection so fervent that I cannot describe it. He is the father of a girl who has no equal among the children of this world's monarchs from the rising to the setting sun. She is without a rival in face, wit, and goodness of disposition. Now the desire of the King is to present the princess before King Iskender, with the view of ultimately giving her to him for his wife."

Now the soldiers of King Souran laid siege against the walled town of Gangga-Chah Djouhan; but those on guard repulsed them, so that they could not get near. Seeing this, King Souran advanced, mounted on an untamed elephant. Taking no heed to the arrows that were launched against him by the defenders of the wall, he reached the gate and struck it with his mace. The gate gave way and King Souran entered, followed by his warriors.

When King Gangga-Chah Djouhan saw King Souran approaching, he seized his bow and shot an arrow with haste. The arrow struck the forehead of King Souran's elephant. The elephant fell on his knees. King Souran quickly leaped to the ground, drawing his sword as he did so; at a single stroke he struck through the neck of King Gangga-Chah, and the severed head rolled to the ground. The forces of Gangga-Nagara, as soon as they saw their prince fall, demanded the _aman_ (i.e., truce).

King Gangga-Chah Djouhan had a sister, named Princess Zaras Gangga. She was exceedingly beautiful. The victorious prince took her for his wife. Then he resumed his march.

Some time afterward he reached the city of Ganggayon. It was formerly a great city, the black stones of whose fortress survive even to this day. This fortress is at the extremity of the river Djoher. The name Ganggayon in the Siamese tongue means "treasury of emeralds." The King of the city was Rajah Tchoulin; he was a powerful prince, to whom all the kings of the land did obeisance.

On the news of King Souran's approach, King Tchoulin called together all his troops and sent word to the kings who were his tributaries. When all were assembled he set out to repel the invaders. The multitude of his soldiers was like the waves of the sea; his elephants and horses stood up among them like islands; his flags and standards presented the appearance of a forest, and the cows' tails fluttering at the pike-heads presented the appearance of _lalang_ ploughers.

The army came in four bodies and reached the banks of a river. There they saw the soldiers of King Souran, ranged like forest-trees. The Siamese exclaimed, "Pangkal," a word which means "river," and hence that river became known as the river Pangkal.

The soldiers of Siam at once joined battle with the soldiers of Kling, who were Hindoos; and the battle raged with indescribable confusion. The soldiers mounted on elephants pressed forward these great beasts; the men on horseback made their horses champ with fury; the lancers pressed home their lances; those who carried pikes plied them furiously; and those who bore sabres dealt many a doughty stroke. Blood flowed like rain. The crash of thunder would have been drowned by the shouts of the warriors and the clash of arms. The dust that rose from the plain obscured the brightness of the day like an eclipse of the sun. So complete was the confusion with which the contestants mingled that it was not possible to distinguish the combatants of either side: each assailant was at the same time the assailed, and he who struck with his weapon himself at the same moment was stricken with a blow. Sometimes the soldiers attacked a comrade by mistake. Every moment crowds of people on either side were killed and wounded, many horses and elephants had their throats cut, and the blood shed covered the ground. The dust had disappeared; the combatants were seen struggling in masses so compact that neither party was able to retire from the battle.

King Tchoulin managed to force a way by means of the elephant he rode through the innumerable horde of King Souran's soldiers; the corpses were piled up beneath his feet. A crowd of Hindoo warriors lost their lives. The rest of them began to give way. King Souran, on perceiving this, dashed forward to meet King Tchoulin in single combat. He mounted an untamed elephant eight cubits high that had no driver. But the elephant of King Tchoulin was also very brave. The two animals met; they attacked each other; the clash of their encounter was like the thunder that rends the earth; their tusks clashing and intertwining made a sound like that of a storm that never ceases. Neither could triumph over the other.

Then King Tchoulin raised himself upon the beast he rode and brandished a javelin. He hurled it against King Souran; the javelin struck the elephant on his flank and pierced deep. At the same time King Souran shot an arrow which smote King Tchoulin in the breast and came out at his back. That prince fell to the earth and expired. The soldiers seeing their king dead, broke ranks and took flight in utter disorder, pursued by the Hindoos, who put to the sword all they overtook. Penetrating the ramparts of Ganggayon the Hindoo soldiers pillaged the town; the booty was immense.

King Tchoulin had a daughter, extremely beautiful. Her name was the princess Ouangkion; she was presented to King Souran, who took her for his wife.

The King then resumed his march and arrived at Temasik. The rumor of his approach soon reached China. People said, "Lo! King Souran comes with a countless army to conquer China. He has already reached Temasik." This news was heard with dire alarm by the King of China. He said to his ministers and to his officers:

"What must be done to repel this invading multitude? If the King of Kling arrives here, he will doubtless ruin our country."

The prime minister said: "O King of the world; I have a device for repelling him."

"Very good," said the King; "do not fail to try it."

The prime minister therefore caused a _pilo_, or ship, to be fitted out with rusty needles. They took also two kinds of trees, kamses and jujube trees, laden with fruit; these were placed on board ship with the soil in which they grew. Old men who had lost their teeth were chosen for passengers and crew. To these the minister gave his instructions and they started for Temasik.

When they had reached this place King Souran was informed that a ship had arrived from China. "Go and ask these strangers," he said to his attendants, "at what distance does this country lie from us." The attendant put this question to the crew of the _pilo_ and received the following reply:

"When we left China we were all still young, being scarcely twelve years old; and these trees were seeds which we had sown. But you see how old we are now, and how our teeth are fallen out; the grains of seed have become trees in fruit, and all this has happened during the time it has taken us to reach here."

At the same time they took the needles of which they had a large quantity and said as they showed them to the Hindoos:

"When we started from China, these were as thick as a man's arm, and now see how they are worn out by the rust. This will give you an idea of the length of the voyage: we could not keep count of the years and the months."

On hearing this answer of the Chinese, the Hindoos ran to report it to King Souran, to whom they repeated all they had heard.

"If the thing is as they say," replied the prince, "the land of China is still a very long way off. When shall we arrive there? We had better return home."

"His Majesty is undoubtedly right," said the officers.

King Souran meditated thus: "Behold, the contents of the land is known to me, but how can I learn the contents of the sea? I must needs enter the sea, in order to know it."

Then he summoned his engineers and skilful men, and ordered them to fashion a box of glass with lock and fastenings within, in order that he might shut himself in it. The engineers made the box of glass just as the King desired it; they furnished it with a chain of the purest gold; then they presented it to King Souran, who was exceedingly well pleased with it, and rewarded them all with rich presents.

The prince entered into the box, disappeared from the eyes of all present, and shut the door upon himself. They took the box to the sea, and let it descend even to the bottom. What treasures, what wealth, works of the Almighty, were seen by King Souran! The box fell until it reached a land called Dika. There King Souran came out of the box, and went forward, seeing most wonderful things. He arrived at a great and strongly fortified town, which he entered and saw a vast population, whose number God alone knows. This people, who call themselves the Badsam people, were composed of believers and unbelievers.

The inhabitants of the town were astonished to see the face of King Souran, and his garments they looked upon with astonishment. They conducted him to the presence of their King, whom they call Agtab-al- Ard (_i.e._, Bowels of the Earth). This prince asked, "What man is this?"

"My lord," was the reply, "it is a stranger, who arrived a moment ago."

"Whence does he come?"