To win all hearts. Why should she render thee Unhappy? Speak not thus, my pretty one; The Queen could never do an evil deed. When thou art near her, thou shalt see, my dear, Whether she loves or hates thee." At these words Young Bidasari knew the King esteemed The Queen, and felt her heart sink in her breast. "My words are true," she said, "but still perchance My prince cannot believe. But was I not Within thy palace six or seven nights? The sweat of pain became my couch, so great Was my desire to see my parents dear. They sent me dainties, but all the _dyangs_ Were kept as prisoners by the princess there. She said she'd take me back herself. One day I was, indeed, sent home, but scarce alive." She told him everything that came to pass. He listened stupefied, and said: "How could It be that thou wert in the palace hid, And I not see thee there? Why was it thou Wert not beside the Queen? I've never left The palace for a single day. Where wert Thou hid? Thy strange words I believe, my dear. Speak without fear and let me know the whole." Urged by the King, young Bidasari told Him all. And when the conduct of the Queen He learned, the King was wonder-struck. A rage Most terrible possessed him. But his love For Bidasari mounted higher still And his compassion. "So the Queen thus wrought! I never thought hypocrisy could be So great! I never in the princess saw Such bent for evil. But be not, my dear, Disconsolate. It is a lucky thing Thou didst not quite succumb. No longer speak Of that bad woman's ways. Thank God we've met! So weep no more, my love. I'll give to thee A throne more beautiful than hers, and be Thy dear companion until death." "O King," She said: "I have no beauty fit to grace A throne. Oh, let me stay a simple maid, And think of me no more." The King replied: "I will not give thee up. But I must still Return, and meditate how I may win Thee back to life complete." With kisses warm He covered her fair face. She bowed her head, And silence kept; and when the morning dawned She swooned anew. It was a proof to him That she had told the truth. A mortal hate Then filled the prince's heart against the Queen. Touched with deep pity for the maiden young, He kissed her once again, and left her there, So white and still, as if she lay in death. What of the _mantris_? They awaited long The King, in silence. Then the oldest said: "O sovereign lord, O caliph great, wilt thou Not now return?" "I'll come again, dear heart," He said, and sought the city. Straight he went Into the palace, to the Queen, who asked: "What bringest thou from hunting?" He replied In murmurs: "I have taken naught at all. For my own pleasure I remained all night." "'Tis nothing, lord, provided no harm came To thee. But say what thou didst seek, to stay So long? I always have prepared for thee