The gracious KingOf Indrapura at these words bowed lowAnd 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 queensBetook them to their chambers, and the richEgyptian curtains fell. They vainly sought to sleep.They talked together of their sorrows pastAnd evil days. And neither kings nor queensThat night could slumber.
At the break of dayThe talking bird began to sing and prate.A little later thebajangsbeganTheir song. Then all arose, and bathed, and brokeTheir fast, and chattered and amused themselves.The King of Indrapura then gave wordUnto themangkouboumi: "All prepareThat'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 greatAnd fire-arms. Thus the King commands."
StraightwayThemangkouboumibowed before the King,And went his orders to obey. He madeThe ships all ready, with new paint and gold.When three were well equipped, on board he tookThe people of the city. All the oldWere left behind, but of the young none stayed.Then to the King themangkouboumisaid,"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 queenAnd prince, and lovely Bidasari, too,Attended by the courtiers all. The strainsOf music sounded and the bells were rung.All those whose lot it was to stay at homeWere 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 deftdyangsTake up the coral white and pink, and toyedWith pretty shells. The King set foot uponThe isle of Nousa Antara. The KingAnd 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 KingOf Indrapura ordered that a tentBe raised, and one was made. It was as largeAs 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. "CallThe 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 princeAnd all their following made rapid work.The game took flight. The King then drew his bowAnd many animals were killed. A deerCame running by. His arrow struck him fullUpon the shoulder, and the huntsmen seizedAnd quickly killed him. In the pathless woodsOf Nousa Antara there was much game.A tiger roared, the King and prince pursued.The tiger swiftly fled. The prince sat downWithin the forest deep. To overtakeThe beast he was unable. To returnHe sought, but could not find the way. AloneHe was, and in perplexity, becauseHis huntsmen he no longer could descry.Then, wandering to and fro, he found at lastA pleasure garden of the days gone by,Belonging to King Lila, beautifulAnd without flaw. He was astonished quiteWhen he perceived a palace. All aloneHe found himself, when he had entered there.He walked about, but found no living soul.Unto himself he said: "Can this domainA habitation be of demons dreadAnd spirits? Can this be the cause of allThe solitude which reigns?" On all sides thenHe 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 dreamThe 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 belongUnto the race of demons and of spectres?Where is the key, that I may ope the door?"Then thedyangof Mendoudari saidUnto the prince: "Look toward the left, for thereThe 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 beheldThe prince's face, fell prostrate at his feet.To them the prince cried out: "Say to what raceYe do belong. This quickly tell. And whoseThis palace beautiful?" Then answered himDang Tjindra Melini: "O Royal prince,We are God's creatures, like to thee. And thisFair palace of the King Lila is nowBy 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 eyesAre brilliant as the sun." When this he heardThe prince was glad. The room he entered then.The Princess Mendoudari sought to flee."Where wouldst thou go, my friend," he said. "I've soughtAnd 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 thenHe sang a low sweet song of love and wooing.The princess answered with a dreamy chant.And when the young prince heard her gentle layHe felt a yearning pity for her fate."Be not afraid, my dear," he said, "for IWill triumph over all thine enemies."Then Dang Sendari served them dainty food;And what was left, to her the princess gave.The prince toosirifrom the betel-boxAnd rare sweet perfumes used. When evening came,A soft couch for the prince was spread. And thenThe princess sought her room, and curtains drewOf 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 softpantoums.When daylight came the prince arose. He heardA spirit coming to the palace. Then with fearWas 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 heardThe princess talking with the prince his ireArose like burning flame. His cry was likeA thunder-burst. The very palace shook."Depart from here," unto the prince he roared,"And feel my mighty power." Then sweet love-songsExchanging with the princess went he forth.His mien was like Sang Samba's, and his faceWas nobly firm, as if he went to meetA roaring tiger. At his side he woreA rare carbuncled sword, and arrows boreWith points in deadly poison dipped. Ifrid,The creature with two heads, like spectre cameWith laughter horrid. He took up a stoneAnd 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 princeMade haste to join the princess.
When she sawThe spirit Ifrid dead she much rejoicedAnd bowed before the prince. Great gladness shoneIn her fair face, because her woe had ceased,And she was happy that 'twas to the princeShe owed her rescue. 'Twas as if she'd foundA mountain great of jewels. Then she said:"Caliph a high divinity once wasAnd called himself King Lila. God will blessThee for thy deeds, O mighty prince."
The princeWith kisses said: "Thou hast a charming mouth.Thy form is supple. Prithee tell me whyI should not love thee? Thou art beautifulAs a statue of pure gold, and thou shalt beA princess in my palace. Well I knowThine origin is noble, and thy raceIs high." They gayly chatted while some foodWas served. The prince, with pleasure, at the sideOf the fair princess ate. When all was doneHe took somesirifrom the betel-boxAnd perfumes used. "Thou art a jasmine sweet,"He said, "an antidote to every ill,And thou shalt be my wife."
Next day the princeTook her behind him on his horse, and theyDeparted. Thedyangsaccompanied them.
Now will I tell about themantrisall.Until the fall of evening, with the KingOf Indrapura, they in waiting stayed,To welcome back the prince. And much disturbedThey were that he delayed so long to come.The King then bade them seek the prince, and seeWhy he remained so long apart from them.Thenmantrisfour set out, and hunted farAnd wide, but found him not. They brought the newsThat he could not be found. The King was sadAnd 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 backUnto his senses came he. "O my child,"He said, "my heart hath lost all hope. Where nowArt thou? I'll go, myself, to seek."
The KingWept much, and his dear wife. And as for her—Sweet Bidasari—she appeared to wishTo kill herself, for never on the earthDid brother love his sister like the princeAnd Bidasari. At the fall of dayBack came the King of Indrapura, sadAnd weeping. Then the King of KembajatSaid: "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 princeStood there before them with his consort fair.He bowed to all. The King, his father, sawAnd could not speak. He thought, "It is the voiceOf my dear son." Then recognition cameAnd he was wild with joy. The prince then toldHow he had chased the tiger, and had lostHis way within a wood: how he had killedA spirit there, Ifrid, the dread.
The KingHeard all he said and much rejoiced. Then cameThe servants serving tasteful food to all.The King ate with his wife and children dear.Together they were six. All sorts of rareAnd dainty food were served them, and the KingTooksirifrom the betel-box, and usedSweet perfumes. The great King of KembajatThen gave a festival which lasted quiteSeven days, with music and diversions gay.Glad joy was at its height, of pleasure bornAnd 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 MendoudariWas all in finery arrayed. The wivesOf the two kings took her in hand. The princeWas by themangkouboumita'en in charge.The princess sweetest perfumes did exhale.Her manners were most gracious and politeAs of a well-born person. Every sortOf gem and jewel sparkled from her robes.She wore a ring—'twasastokounacalled—And yet another one,glangkanonamed,And still another, with bright stones all carvedIn fashion of Ceylon. Her tresses curledLike to a full-blown flower, and on them shoneFull many precious stones. ThetouriebudsBecame her well. Her features were as brightAs those of some celestial being pure.Fair Mendoudari thus was clad, and ledTo the bride's seat, and at her either handStoodmantris'daughters seven with waving fans.Meanwhile themangkouboumipatientlyAchieved the tiring of the prince. He woreA royal crown, made in the island fairCalled Nousa Antara, and a rich coatWhich opened at the sides, made in the West.A chiselled necklace hung about his neck.His tunic flamed with orange, like the robeOf great Schahid Schah Pri. His girdle brightWas cloth oftjindi, 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 forthAnd made obeisance to his parents both.He went to the appointed place, and allThe children of the court assembled thereBefore him, while two sons of heralds stoodBeside him, waving fans like floating clouds.All kept the strictest silence. Then a bandOf soldiers came, with blades all glittering.The royal sword, all diamond decked, flashed raysOf light. Three times around the island wentThey all, with sound of music and the noiseOf bells. And all who heard in vain essayedTo estimate the number. EveryoneRan 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 princeAt Princess Mendoudari's right was placed,Within the palace. Then to them was broughtRice calledadapadap, and they becameA wedded pair. And all the folk dispersed.In three days' time was Mendoudari dressedAnew by Bidasari. She was robedWith vesture of embroidered silk. The princeWas likewise gayly clad, to suit the gladOccasion. Now again they made, in state,A royal progress round about the isle.The King and Bidasari rode in oneGrand chariot, and, within another, wentThe prince and Mendoudari, his fair bride.Then back they came for rest, upon the softRich palace cushions. Then the mighty KingOf Kembajat inquired of his dear wife:"What think'st thou, love? Shall we to-morrow mornReturn?" With smiles the Queen replied, "I bearThine orders on my head." Next day the heartsOf all the royal company were filledWith joy. The officers assembled thenTo take the King's commands, and he was pleasedTo see them dutiful. The following mornThe song of thebajansawaked the King.At early dawn each princess with her lord,And all the officers, embarked uponThe ship. They sailed far from the island fair,Nousa Antara, and in three days cameTo Indrapura and the river's mouth.When at the palace they arrived again,Themantriscame in joy and kissed their hands.The King of Kembajat said that he wishedTo go. Scarce had fair Indrapura's KingHeard that his parents to their home desiredAt once to go, when he themantriscalledAnd orders gave. The King of KembajatSet out with his dear wife next day at dawn.Within the palace of their daughter sweetThey met fair Indrapura's King. The KingOf Kembajat sat at his side, and saidIn softest tones: "Well, Bidasari, child,Thy parents now will homeward fare. ObeyThe King, thy gracious husband, in all things.The former merchant brought thee up. He willA father be to thee. Strive hard to winThy husband's heart, and never disregardHis wishes." Scarcely had she heard these wordsThan at her father's knees she fell, and shedA flood of tears. The King embraced his childAnd, 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 fourAll wept together. Then the father said:"My son, accomplished prince, we trust to theeOur Bidasari. Show her the right pathIf she aside should step, for hither sheAs prisoner came. Correction should she need,For us it will not be a shame." At thisFair 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 IOf her possessions, and I'll satisfyHer every wish." The King with joy replied:"Well, daughter, jewel of my crown, thou artNo more beneath my sway, but wholly nowUnder the orders of thy husband dear."He much was moved, and to themangkouboumiSaid, "Brother, take my treasures all, for weCan never all thy goodness recompense."The former merchant and his wife bowed low:"Your gratitude, O prince, is great, but allThy 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 giveAll Indrapura's weight in purest goldIt 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 partHer parents dear and brother. Much she weptBecause she felt her heart go out to himHer brother. Then she said: "I've one to takeThe place of parents, but where shall I findA brother?" Princess Mendoudari bowedTo 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 ICould not thine absence bear. Farewell, my love."The King embraced his daughter. BitterlyBoth wept. The royal father said, "Stay here,My son-in-law, with thy dear wife." The KingBefore his parents bowed. The youthful princeBefore the King his brother bowed, and wentTo Bidasari's side, his sister dear,With heavy heart. Then, weeping much, he said:"O sister mine, gem of my crown, be notSo sorrowful. I go, but if thou dostDesire, I'll come each year to visit thee."Sweet Bidasari kissed him. But her griefWas inexpressible. "O brother dear,Illustrious prince," she said, "thine absence wouldE'en then be much too long." The prince replied,With bows: "Assuage thy grief, my sister dear.For if the King permits, perhaps I mayCome sooner back to thee."
The mighty KingOf Indrapura said, in friendly tones:"Although he be thy brother, still, my dear,I love him much. We ne'er have had the leastMisunderstanding. Why art thou not gay?And why art thou not willing he should go?If 'twere not for thy father I would keepHim here."
The King departed, followed byHis son, who took his father just beyondThe gates. Themangkouboumibowed his headBefore the King, who with much ardor said,"O father of dear Bidasari, giveAid and protection to thy lovely child."Themangkouboumibowed again, and said:"Whate'er is fit, I'll do. Upon my headI 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.Bymantrisfour the King rich treasures sentUnto his children loved, with many steedsAnd elephants. When safely they arrivedAt Indrapura, they appeared beforeThemangkouboumi. He presented themUnto the King, and said: "O sire, these giftsAre from thy son." The King replied: "Why dostThou bring them here, my uncle? Keep them allIn thine own treasury." Then he retiredWithin and said to Bidasari sweet:"Thy father, dear, hath sent us presents rare,And four youngmantris, and a thousand menWith 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 herDevoted. His great happiness increasedAnd his domains extended every year.When Bidasari's royal birth was known,The news spread far and wide, and everywhereWas told. The realm of Indrapura grewMore populous and powerful year by year.
The wicked Princess Lila Sari livedAlone and desolate, in sadness deepAnd full repentance for her evil deeds.
This song is weak because my skill is small.My heart was deeply stirred. And that is whyI made, poor fakir I, this poem here.I have not made it long, because too sadI was, and troubled. Now at last 'tis done.For this, at least, your blessings I deserve.
[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 theaman(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 oflalangploughers.
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 ofKling 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 apilo, 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 thepiloand 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 toKing 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?"
"We do not know."
Then the King addressed King Souran himself and said, "Who are you, and whence do you come?"
King Souran replied: "I come from the world; I am the king of men; my name is King Souran."
King Agtab-al-Ard was very much astonished on hearing these words."There is, then," he said, "another world beside ours?"
"The world," replied King Souran, "contains many races."
"Glory to God almighty," said the King, full of surprise. Then he madeKing Souran ascend and sit with him on the royal throne.
Agtab-al-Ard had a daughter, of great beauty, named Princess Mah-tab- al-Bahri ("Moon of the Sea"). He gave her in marriage to King Souran. That prince dwelt three years with her and had three male children by her. When he thought about these three children King Souran felt much troubled. He said to himself: "What will become of them, here, under the earth? Or how shall I withdraw them hence?"
He went to see Agtab-al-Ard, and said to him: "If my sons grow up, will your Majesty allow me to see that they are brought into the upper world, in order that the royal line of Sultan Iskender Dhoul-Quameen may not be broken to the end of time?"
The King answered, "I shall not hinder you."
Then King Souran took leave of the King and prepared for his return. The King and his daughter shed many tears at parting. Then the King gave orders to bring the horse Sembrani, named Paras-al-Bahri ("Sea-horse"), which he gave to King Souran. The prince mounted the horse, which bore him from the sea, and carried him in the air above the billows.
The troops of King Souran caught sight of the horse Sembrani, and recognized in its rider their King. The prime minister at once took a beautiful mare and led it to the shore. The sea-horse saw the mare and came to land to meet her, and King Souran descended. Then the horse Sembrani went back into the sea.
King Souran said to his wise men and engineers: "Raise a monument which shall witness to my journey in the sea; for I wish the memory of it to be preserved even to the Resurrection day. Write out the story, so that it may be told to all my descendants."
In obedience to the words of the King the wise men and engineers set up a stone on which they traced an inscription in the tongue of Hindostan. This done, King Souran gathered a quantity of gold, silver, jewels, gems, and precious treasures, which he laid up under the stone.
"At the end of the centuries," he said, "there will come a king among my descendants who will find these riches. And this king will subdue every country over which the wind blows."
After this, King Souran returned to the land of Kling. There he built a mighty city, protected by a wall of black stone having seven rows of masonry thick and nine fathoms high; the engineers made it with such skill that the joints of the stones were invisible, and the wall seemed cast of a single substance. The gate was of steel, enriched with gold and precious stones.
This rampart enclosed seven hills. In the centre of the city extended a pool vast as the sea; from one bank it was impossible to discern an elephant standing up on the other. It contained very many kinds of fishes. In the midst of it rose a very lofty island, always covered with a mantle of mist. The King caused to be planted there every sort of flowering and fruit-bearing tree to be found in the world. None was lacking, and to this island the King would repair when he wished for recreation.
He caused also to be planted on the banks of the pool a vast forest wherein wild animals were at large. And when the King wished to hunt, or catch elephants in the snare, he went to this forest. When the town was completed the King called it after himself, Souran-Bidgi-Nagara, and this town still exists in the province of Kling.
In short, if one wished to relate all the rest of King Souran's history he would find it as long as that of Sidi Hanza.
It is related that there once lived at Salouang a husbandman who owned a slave named Badang, whom he employed in clearing forest-land. It happened one day that Badang spread his nets in the river; but on the following morning he found his net quite empty, and by its side some fish-scales and fish-bones. The same thing took place for some days following. Badang flung the fish-scales (sisik) into the river; from which circumstance was derived the river's name, Besisik.
Meanwhile the slave said to himself: "Who is it who eats the fish caught in my net? I must watch and find out."
With this intention he hid one day behind some trees and saw ahantou, or evil genius, or monster, who was eating the fish taken in his net. Thishantouhad eyes red as fire, his hair was like woven osiers, and his beard fell down to his waist. Badang drew his knife, and, screwing up his courage, rushed up to thehantouand seized him.
"Every day," he said, "you eat up my fish. But this time you shall die at my hands."
On hearing these words, thehantouwas afraid, and slipped aside, wishing to avoid the hands of his adversary; but failing to do so, he said to him: "Do not kill me; I will give you what you wish, on condition that you spare my life."
Badang thought: "If I ask for riches, my master will claim them. If I ask the power to become invisible, they will put me to death as a sorcerer. Therefore it is best for me to ask for the gift of physical strength, in order that I may do the work of my master."
In accordance with this resolution, Badang said to thehantou, "Give me the gift of physical strength; let me be strong enough to tear down and to uproot the trees; that is, that I may tear down, with one hand, great trees, a fathom or two in girth."
Thehantouanswered: "Your prayer is granted. You wish for strength; I will give it to you; but first it is necessary that you eat up what I vomit."
"Very well," said Badang; "vomit, and I will eat it up." Thehantouvomited, and Badang set to work to eat it. He held thehantouby the beard, and would not let him go. Then he attempted the uprooting of great trees; and, seeing that he tore them up with ease, he let go the beard of thehantou.
Afterward, coming and going through the forest, he tore down enormous trees; he carried off, roots and all, those of a fathom or two in girth. As for the small ones, he tore them up by handfuls and flung them on all sides. In a moment the forest which had been a wilderness became level as a great plain.
When his master saw this work he said: "Who has cleared our land? For I see that it is suddenly freed entirely from trees and brushwood."
"It is I," said Badang, "who have effected this clearance."
Then answered the master: "How have you been able to do this, single- handed, so quickly and in one job?"
Then Badang related all the details of his adventure, and his master gave him his liberty.
The report of these occurrences reached Singapore. King Krama immediately ordered that Badang be brought before him, and he called him Raden (i.e., Royal Prince).
Once upon a time the King of Singapore ordered Badang to fetch for his repast the fruit ofkouras, at the river Sayang. Badang went there alone in hispilang, or boat, which was eight fathoms long, and he punted it with a pole cut from the trunk of a kampas-tree a fathom in girth.
When he arrived at the river Sayang, he clasped thekouras-tree. The branches broke, the tree fell, and his head struck against a huge rock. His head was not injured, but the rock was split in two. This stone is still seen to-day on the river Sayang, and it bears the name of Balou- blah, which means the "Riven Rock." His pole and boat have also been preserved to the present day. The day following his exploit Badang started back for Singapore, with hispilangcompletely laden with sugar-cane, bananas, andkeladion, or edible lily, root. He had eaten the whole cargo before he arrived at Djohor-the-Old.
On another occasion the King of Singapore had caused a large ship to be built, fifteen fathoms long, in front of the palace. The vessel being finished, between forty and fifty men were ordered to push it into the water. They were unable to launch it. As many as 2,000 or 3,000 persons were equally unsuccessful. Then the King ordered Badang to undertake the operation. Badang undertook the task unaided, and pushed with such force that the vessel went right across the strait to the other shore. For this feat the King appointed himhouloubalong, or officer of military rank.
A report reached the province of Kling that among the officers of the King was a man of extraordinary strength, named Badang. Now there was a powerful athlete at the court of the King of Kling, who had no rival in the country. His name was Madia-Bibjaya-Pelkrama. The King ordered him to go to Singapore with seven vessels; "Go," said he, "and wrestle with this officer. If he defeat you, give him as a prize the cargo of the seven vessels; if you are victorious, demand of him an equal forfeit."
"I obey, your Majesty," said the athlete, and started off with the seven vessels.
When he arrived at Singapore they brought news to the King of the city, saying: "An athlete has arrived from the land of Kling to compete with Badang in many kinds of sports. If he is defeated, he will leave the cargo of his seven vessels as forfeit."
The King came out of his palace to give audience. The Hindoo athlete presented himself. The prince told him to try a bout with Badang. Badang beat him in every round.
Now facing thebalerong, or court of audience, was an enormous rock. The athlete said to Badang: "Come, let us match our strength by lifting this stone. Whoever cannot lift it will be conquered."
"Do you try first," said Badang.
The athlete commenced, and made many attempts without succeeding in lifting it. At last, mustering all his strength, he raised it to the height of his knee and let it fall again.
"Now it is your turn, my master," he said.
"Very good," answered Badang, and lifting the stone he swung it in the air, then hurled it toward the river, at the entrance to the town, where it is still seen at the extremity of the point of Singapore.
The athlete of Kling, thus vanquished, handed to Badang the seven vessels and their cargoes; then he returned, very much saddened and mortified by his defeat.
Now the report came to the country of Perlak that there was at Singapore an officer of the King named Badang without a rival in extraordinary strength. The King of Perlak, so runs the story, had an athlete named Bandarang, also very strong and of a great reputation. This athlete was before the King when they spoke of Badang.
"My lord," he asked, "is Badang stronger than I am? If you will permit me, I will go to Singapore to try an assault with him."
"Very well; go to Singapore," said the King. Turning to the prime minister, Toun Parapatih, he said:
"Get ready apraho, for I am going to send Bandarang to Singapore." When all was ready, a royal litter was prepared and the minister embarked with the athlete, and after a while reached Singapore. Prince Sri Rana Ouira Krama received the King's litter in the audience- chamber, among the radjas, ministers, body-guards, heralds, and other grand officers upon his command.
Then the prince, addressing the ambassador, asked: "With what commission is our brother charged?"
The ambassador replied: "Behold, I have received the command of your illustrious younger brother to bring here this subject Bandarang, to try his strength with Badang. If Bandarang is vanquished, your brother will place at your Majesty's feet the contents of a storehouse; and if Badang succumbs, you shall offer us the equivalent."
"Very well," said the King; "to-morrow everything shall be arranged for the struggle." The King retired to the palace, summoned Badang, and said to him:
"You know, Badang, that to-morrow you will have to contend withBandarang."
"My lord," answered Badang, "know that this man is a powerful athlete, of extraordinary strength, famous in all countries. If your slave is vanquished will it not cast some discredit on the sovereign? If your Majesty thinks it wise, let us both be called into your presence together, so that I may test him; and if I feel myself capable of competing with him, we will have the contest; but if he is too strong for me, then your Majesty can oppose the struggle."
"You are right," said the King. That is why, when night came, the prince invited Toun Parapatih Pendek, Bandarang, and their companions. When they arrived they were served with a collation. Bandarang was seated beside Badang, who began to test him. They tried each other's strength without attracting attention.
At the end of an hour, when the guests were in wine, the King askedBadang if he were strong enough to struggle with Bandarang, whodeclared that he was equal to him. On the other hand, when TounParapatih Pendek had returned to the ship, Bandarang said to him:
"Lord, if you will permit me to advise, there will be no contest between Badang and me. I might not conquer, for I have learned how powerful he is."
"Very well," said the minister; "it is very easy to arrange that."
So the minister said to the King: "It is my opinion that we should prevent this struggle; for if one of the contestants should be vanquished in some bad way, a quarrel might arise out of it between your Majesty and the sovereign your brother."
The King agreed, and the ambassador asked leave to return home. The prince had a letter written for the King of Perlak. It was carried in state on board the ship and the envoy, after receiving vestments of honor, set sail to his own country. Arriving, he told the King all that had taken place. Later Badang died and was buried at Bourou. When the news of his death arrived at that country, the King of Kling sent a carved stone, which is now seen at Bourou.
And now as to the kings of Pasey. The authors of this story declare that there were two brothers named Marah who lived near Pasangan. They were originally from the mountain of Sanggong. The elder was named Mara-Tchaga, and the younger Marah-Silou. Marah-Silou was engaged in casting nets. Having taken somekalang-kalang, he rejected them and cast his net anew. Thekalang-kalangwere caught again. After several attempts with the same result, Marah-Silou had thesekalang-kalangboiled. And behold, the wretched things became gold and their froth became silver. Marah-Silou caught morekalang-kalang, boiled them, and again saw them become gold and silver. He had thus acquired much store of gold and silver, when one day the news came to Marah-Tchaga that his younger brother was catchingkalang-kalang, and he was so irritated that he wished to kill him. When Marah-Silou learned of this design, he took refuge in the forest of Djawn. The place where he fished is still called the Plain of Kalang-Kalang.
Marah-Silou, established in the forest of Djawn, gave gold to those who dwelt there, and they all obeyed his commands. One day when he was hunting, his dog, named Si Pasey, began to bark on a slight hill which one would have believed made by the hand of man. Climbing the small hill he saw an ant as big as a cat. He took it and ate it up. The place was afterward called Samodra; that is to say, "The Big Ant." Now it is said that the prophet of God—blessings be upon him!—once told his companions:
"There will be a country some day, toward the south, called Samoudra. When you hear it spoken of, hasten thither to convert the inhabitants to Islam, for in that country many will become the friends of God. But there will also be the king of a country called Mataba, whom you must take with you."
A long time after this decree of the prophet, the fakir Mahomet went to Samoudra. Reaching the shore, he met Marah-Silou, who was gathering shells. The fakir asked him:
"What is the name of this country?"
"Its name is Samoudra," answered Marah-Silou.
"And what is the sovereign's name?"
"I am the sovereign of all who dwell here," said Marah-Silou.
The fakir Mahomet converted Marah-Silou to Islam and taught him the words of the creed. Now Marah-Silou being asleep dreamed that he was in the presence of the prophet of God, and the prophet said to him, "Marah-Silou, open your mouth." He opened it and the prophet spat in it, and Marah-Silou, awaking, perceived throughout his whole body a perfume like that of spikenard. When day broke he told his dream.
"This is truly the country of Samoudra of which the prophet of God has spoken," said the fakir Mahomet. Bringing from the ship all the royal ensigns aboard, he proclaimed Marah-Silou king with the title of Sultan Melik-es-Salih.
Sultan Melik-es-Salih sent Sidi Ali Ghaiath-ed-Din to the country of Perlak. This prince had three daughters, two of blood-royal on their mother's side, and one born of a concubine. The latter was called the princess Ganggang. When Sidi Ali Ghaiath arrived at Perlak they showed him the three daughters. The two sisters of the blood-royal were seated lower than the princess Ganggang, who occupied a high seat. The latter, by order of her father, was cleaning arec nuts for her two sisters, like one doing the honors of the household. She wore rose-colored garments and a violet cloak. Her ears were adorned withsoubangsmade with the young leaves of thelontar. She was very beautiful.
Sidi Ali Ghaiath-ed-Din said to the King of Perlak, "That one of your daughters who is seated above is the one I ask in marriage for my master, your son." The envoy knew not that Princess Ganggang was the daughter of a concubine.
The King burst out laughing. "Very well," he said, "let the will of my son be accomplished." Then he gave orders to equip 100prahos, and Toun Parapatih received the command to accompany the princess to the country of Samoudra.
Sultan Melik-es-Salih went to meet the princess as far as Djambou Ayer. He introduced her into Samoudra with a thousand honors and splendors, and married her. The marriage accomplished, the prince gave presents to the ministers and to the officers, and showed himself lavish in gold and silver to the poor of the country. As for Toun Parapatih Pendek, he took leave to return to Perlak. Sultan Melik-es-Salih and the princess Ganggang had two sons who received from the prince the names of Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir and Sultan Melik-el-Mansour. The elder was confided to Sidi Ali Ghaiath-ed-Din and the other to Sidi Ali Asmai-ed-Din. Years passed and the two young princes had grown up. Perlak had been conquered by an enemy come from the opposite coast, and the inhabitants of the country had migrated to Samoudra. Sultan Melik-es-Salih conceived the plan of founding a city to establish his sons there. He said to the great ones, "To-morrow I shall go hunting." The next morning he set out, mounted on an elephant called Perma Diouana. He passed to the other side of the water. When he came to land his dog Si Pasey began to bark. The prince ran up and saw that he was barking before a hillock, sufficiently extended for the erection of a palace and its dependencies, level on top and well disposed. Sultan Melik had the ground cleared and built a palace and a city there. After the name of his dog he called the palace Pasey, and established as king his son Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir, with Sidi Ali Ghaiath as minister. He divided his men, his elephants, and his royal standards into two parts, one for each of his sons.
Some time after this, the prince, having fallen ill, commanded the grandees to assemble and called his two sons and spoke as follows: "Oh, my two sons, and you all, my companions, my last hour is approaching. You men be good to those whom I leave behind. And you, my sons, beware of being envious of another's good, and of the wives and daughters of your subjects. Maintain between you the union of two brothers, abstain from all injustice, and avoid between you every cause of quarrel." He said also to Sidi Ali Gaiath-ed-Din and to Sidi Asmai-ed-Din:
"Oh, my brothers, take care of these two sons. Stir not up trouble between them. Be faithful to them and never give your allegiance to another king." The two young princes bowed their heads and wept.
As for the two ministers, "Lord," they said, "light of our eyes, we swear by the sovereign Master who created the worlds that we will never break our promises, that we will never lack in our fidelity or render homage to another king than your two well-beloved sons."
Then Sultan Melik-es-Salih named his son Melik-el-Mansour, King of Samoudra. Three days later he died and was buried in the interior of the palace. Their father dead, the two young princes, his sons, commanded the royal herald to assemble the officers and soldiers, elephants and horses, as well as the royal insignia of the country of Pasey. And the two cities grew and flourished more and more. God knows best the truth. He is our aid and our refuge.
Now this is the story of the King Chehr-en-Naoui. His power was great, his officers and soldiers innumerable. They told this prince that the country of Samoudra had a large population, many merchants, and a powerful king. Chehr-en-Naoui said to his officers:
"Which of you would be able to take the King of Samoudra?"
One of his officers very strong and brave, Aoui Ditchou, bowed and said: "Lord, if your Majesty will give me 4,000 chosen warriors, I will take the King of Samoudra alive and bring him to the foot of your Majesty's throne."
The King gave him the 4,000 warriors and 100 ships. When they were ready Aoui Ditchou sailed toward Samoudra, feigning that the ships were bent on commerce up to the very moment when they reached the end of the voyage. Then he caused it to be said that he was an ambassador of the King Chehr-en-Naoui, and the King of Samoudra sent some officers to receive him.
Landing, Aoui Ditchou put into four chests four lustyhoulou-balongs, to whom he said: "Presently, when you are in the presence of the King of Samoudra, open the chests, leap out, and seize the King." The chests were fastened from within. They took them ashore in state as presents from the King Chehr-en-Naoui. When they were in the presence of the prince, a message couched in flattering terms was read, and the chests were brought in. Immediately thehoulou-balongsopened the chests, sprang out, and seized the sovereign. The soldiers uttered fierce cries and unsheathed their arms to attack the band of Chehr-en-Naoui's men. But the latter cried:
"If you fall upon us, we will kill your King."
So the soldiers paused in their attack. Aoui Ditchou and his people returned, bringing with them the King of Samoudra. They crossed the sea and regained their own country. There the prisoner-King was conducted by Aoui Ditchou before King Chehr-en-Naoui, who was very joyful and loaded the head of the expedition and all his companions with honors. As for the King of Samoudra, they made him a poultry-keeper.
Now let us talk of Sidi Ali Gaiath-ed-Din. Having consulted with the principal ministers in the country of Samoudra, he equipped a ship and purchased a cargo of Arabic merchandise, for the inhabitants of Pasey at that time all knew the Arabic language. Sidi Ali and the soldiers whom he embarked on the ship with him took all the ways and manners of the Arabs. The minister being on board and all being made ready, they set sail for the country of Chehr-en-Naoui, where they arrived after a short voyage. Sidi Ali landed and went to present himself to the King, bearing as a gift a tree of gold, of which the fruits were all sorts of precious stones, and which was worth an almost inconceivable sum. When the prince saw this present he asked:
"What do you want of me?"
Sidi Ali replied, "We want nothing."
The King was highly pleased, although surprised by such a magnificent present. And he said to himself, "Now, what can be the aim of these people giving me all this?" The pretended Arabs returned to their ships. A few days after, the master of the ship returned to visit the King. This time he brought as a present a chess-board of gold of which the chessmen were of precious stones, which was worth an enormous sum.
"What do you want of me?" again asked the prince. "Speak, that I may satisfy you."
And they replied, "We ask for nothing."
Then they returned to the ship. Some time later, when the favorable monsoon blew for their return homeward, Sidi Ali Ghaiath thought upon his departure. He went to see the King, laden with a present which consisted of two golden ducks, male and female, enriched with precious stones, and in a big golden basin. He filled this golden basin with water, put in the ducks. They began to swim, dive, and pursue each other, a sight at which the King marvelled much.
"I beg of you to tell me," he said, "what you desire of me. By the God whom I worship, I swear to fulfil your wishes."
Then Sidi Ali answered: "Lord, if it is the accomplishment of your favor, we beg that you will give us your poultry-keeper."
"It is the King of Pasey that you ask of me. But, very well, I grant him to you."
"It is because he is a Mussulman," said the strangers, "that we ask him of your Majesty."
The King Chehr-en-Naoui delivered therefore the Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir to Sidi Ali Gaiath-ed-Din, who took him on board the ship, gave him a bath, and then clothed him in royal raiment. The wind blew, they weighed anchor, set sail, and after a certain time arrived at the country of Samoudra. And God knows the truth. He is our aid and our refuge.
Now we are going to speak of the King Melik-el-Mansour at Samoudra.This prince said one day to Sidi Ali Asmai-ed-Din:
"I would like to go and see how my brother is getting along."
The minister answered, "Do not go, my lord, for fear of misfortune." And, indeed, he tried to restrain his master. The prince would listen to nothing, and finally the minister was silent. He ordered the drums to beat, in order to make the announcement, "Sultan Melik-el-Mansour is going to see the country of his brother."
Sidi Ali Asmai-ed-Din was not satisfied. He was an old minister who knew that out of every affair causes of trouble may arise. But it was his duty to obey. The prince started. He made the tour of the city of Pasey, and then entered the palace of the Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir. There he fell in love with one of the ladies-of-honor of his brother's court, and a quarrel arose between the two brothers on her account. Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir felt in the bottom of his heart a violent irritation toward his brother.
Now he had a son named Radja Ahmed, very young when his father was captured, but grown up when the prince was restored from the hands of Chehr-en-Naoui. Sidi Ali Ghaiath-ed-Din having withdrawn from affairs, a minister named Parapatih Toulous Toukang Sikari had replaced him in his ministerial functions. One day the King said to the minister:
"What is your opinion concerning the act of Sultan Melik-el-Mansour?"
The minister answered: "We have a means——"
"But," answered the King, "it might involve his death."
"If he dies," replied the minister, "my name shall be no longerToukang."
"Give a family fête for your son Sultan Ahmed. We will invite SultanMelik-el-Mansour to the festival."
Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir gave orders then to decorate the city and made preparations for the fete, and sent to find Sultan Melik-el-Mansour. This prince was with Sidi Ali Asmai-ed-Din and his officers. They introduced the prince and his minister, but left the officers outside. When they had entered, Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir caused them both to be seized and ordered one of his officers to conduct his brother to Mandjang. "As for you," he said to Sidi Ali, "stay here. Do not try to go with your master or I'll cut off your head."
Sidi Ali answered: "Rather let my head be separated from my body than that the servant should be separated from his master."
So the King had his head cut off. The head was thrown into the sea and the body impaled at the entrance to the Bay of Pasey. While they were taking the Sultan Melik-el-Mansour toward the east in aprabo, at the moment when they arrived near Djambou Ayer, the pilot saw a human head floating in the water near the rudder. He recognized the head of Sidi Ali. Informed of this event, Sultan Melik-el-Mansour caused the head to be taken from the water. It was indeed that of his minister. Casting his glances toward the land: "Behold," he said, "the Plain of Illusions." And it bears that name, "Padang-Maya," to this day. The prince sent to his brother and demanded the body of Sidi Ali; joined the head with the body, and buried both in the Plain of Illusion. Then he went back to Mandjang.
After the departure of the Sultan Melik-el-Mansour, King Melik-ed-Dhahir had the family festival. The Sultan Melik-el-Mansour had been atMandjang three years when the Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir bethought him ofhis brother.
"Alas," he said, "I was truly too unwise. For a woman my brother dethroned, and his minister is dead."
And the prince repented. He ordered some of his officers to go and find his brother at Mandjang. They therefore brought back Sultan Melik-el- Mansour with the regard due to a king. When they arrived near the Plain of Maya, the prince landed to visit the tomb of Sidi Ali Asmai-ed-Din. "I salute you, my father," he said. "Stay here, my father. As for me I go away, called by my brother."
From the interior of the tomb Sidi Ali answered: "Where would the prince go? It is better to remain here."
When the prince heard these words, he made his ablutions, said a couple of prayers, then stretched himself upon the tomb and expired. They bore to Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir the news that his brother was dead, in the Plain of Maya, in the tomb of Sidi Ali Asmai-ed-Din. He started at once, went to the place, and had his brother, Sultan Melik-el-Mansour, buried with the ceremonies of great kings. Then, after returning to Pasey, a prey to grief, he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Sultan Ahmed.
Some time after this, Sultan Melik-ed-Dhahir fell ill. He gave Sultan Ahmed his last instructions. "O my son," said he, "light of my eyes, treasure of my heart, never neglect the advice of your old servitors. In every affair take counsel with your ministers. Neglect not the duties of piety to God, the sovereign Master. Beware of injustice to men."
Sultan Ahmed heard in tears the last words of his father. The prince died, and they buried him near the mosque.
Sultan Ahmed was for many years on the throne and governed with much justice. Now, the author of this story says: "There was at Pasey a servant of God named Toun Djana Khatite. This man made the voyage to Singapore with two companions. Crossing the square of Singapore he passed by the palace of the King and saw the Queen. Near the palace was an areca tree, and while Toun Djana was looking at the Queen the tree split in two. At sight of this, King Sri Maharadja was extremely irritated. 'You see,' he cried, 'the conduct of Toun Djana Khatite. To call the attention of the Queen, he has acted thus. And he ordered him to be killed. So Toun Djana was led to the place of punishment, near a cake-shop, where Toun Djana Khatite received the blow of the poniard; his blood ran on the earth, but his body disappeared and no one could ever tell what became of it. The cake-shop-keeper covered the blood with the cake-cover, and the cake-cover was changed into stone, which is still seen at Singapore. According to a tradition, the body of Toun Djana Khatite was transported to Langkaoui and there buried."
Some time later came the sea-monsters calledtoudaksand attacked Singapore. They leaped upon the shore, and people who were there died in great numbers, overtaken by thesetoudaks. If they struck a man on the breast, they pierced to his back. If they struck the neck or the loins, they pierced clear through from one side to the other. There were many killed. People ran about crying:
"Thetoudaksare attacking us!"
"What shall we do?"
"How many dead? We shall all perish!"
Padouka Sri Maharadja in great haste mounts the elephant and goes forth, followed by his ministers, his body-guards, and all his officers. Arriving at the seashore he sees with horror the work of these monsters, thetoudaks. Whoever was wounded by them inevitably perished. The number of the victims became larger and larger. The prince ordered the men to make a rampart of their legs, but in their boundings thetoudakssucceeded in passing this barrier. They came like the rain, and the slaughter was terrible. While this was happening a young boy said:
"Why make thus a rampart of our legs? That is an artifice very much to our hurt. If we should make a rampart of the trunks of banana-trees, would not that be better?"
When Padouka Sri Maharadja heard the words of the child, "He is right," he said. And on his orders they hastened to construct a barrier of banana-tree trunks. When thetoudakscame bounding along their snouts were buried in the tree-trunks, and the men ran up and killed them. There perished thus of thesetoudaksa number beyond computation. Their bodies formed heaps on the shore, and all the population of Singapore did not suffice to eat them. And thetoudaksceased their leapings. They say, by the force of their boundings thetoudaksreached the elephant of the prince and tore the sleeve of his cloak. About this they made a song:
"The boundings of thetoudakstoreThe mantle which the Sultan wore,But here they ceased their onset wild,Thanks to the wisdom of a child."
While Padouka Sri Maharadja was returning, the grandees said to him: "Lord, this child, though so young, has much wit. What will it be when he has grown up? You had better get rid of him." That is why they found it just that the King should give the order for him to be killed.