At the approach of night the _mantris_ said, "What doth the King so long away from us?" They were disturbed, the prince seemed so unlike Himself and filled with such unrestfulness. "I fear me much," then said a _mantri_ there, "That some mishap hath overwhelmed the King. Perhaps by some bad spirit he's possessed, That he to this weird spot should fain return." One went and cried: "Come hither, O our King! The day declines; we've waited here since dawn." The King responded to the call, and came With smiling face, though pale, unto the gate: "Come here, my uncle; come and talk with me, Thy King. No evil thing hath come to pass." "O lord supreme, most worthy prince, return. If harm should come to thee, we all should die." "Be calm, my uncle, I will not this night Return, but he may stay with me who wills." "O King, with spirits what hast thou to do? Thy face is pale and worn, and tells of care." The King but sighed, and said: "My heart is full Of trouble, but the will of God is good. Here yesterday a fair celestial form With angel face I saw. 'Twas here alone." And so the King told all that had occurred. "Go back," he added. "Leave me here with her. Say to the Queen I've lingered still a day For my amusement, with my retinue." Then half the escort stayed, and half repaired Back to the palace to acquaint the Queen The King would stay another day and hunt. When all was dark, sweet Bidasari waked And saw the King, and tried to flee away. He seized and kissed her. "Ruby, gold," he said, "My soul, my life, oh, say, where wouldst thou go? I've been alone with thee for two whole days, And all the day thou wrapped in sleep didst lie. Where wouldst thou go, my dove?" The gentle girl Was much afraid and trembled, and she thought: "Is it a spirit come to find me here? Avaunt thee and begone, O spectre dread," She said, amid her tears. "No phantom I," Replied the King; "be not afraid. I wish To marry thee." Then Bidasari strove Again to flee. Then sang the King a song That told of love and happiness. Its words Astonished Bidasari, and she cried: "Art thou a pirate? Why dost thou come here? Speak not such things to me. If thou shouldst be Discovered by my father, he would cut Thee into pieces. Thou shouldst go alone To death, and find no pardon in his heart. Take all my gems and hasten forth at once." The King replied: "'Tis not thy gems I want, But thee. I am a pirate, but thy heart Is all I want to steal. Should spectres come In thousands, I would fear them not at all. No tears, my love, bright glory of my crown. Where wouldst thou go? Hast thou no pity, sweet, For me? I am a powerful prince. Who dares Oppose my will? Pure gold, all virginal, Where wouldst thou go?" So spake the King, and fair Young Bidasari trembled more and more. "Approach me not," she cried, "but let me bathe My face." "I'll bathe it for thee, dear," he said.