Then the prince Bowed low and said: "My father, lord, and King, I am but strengthened in my wish to go And find my sister. Let me now depart, And seek for news of her." The King replied: "Well, go, my dearest son; thy heart is good. Though but a child thou still dost bear a brain." Then summoned the young prince the merchants all, And bought much goods and questioned them in turn About all neighboring villages and camps. They told whate'er they knew most willingly, For much the young prince was beloved by them. Among them was a youth of handsome face, Fair Bidasari's foster-brother tall. Amid the strangers sat he near the throne; His name was Sinapati. He was brave And wise. Now as he watched the prince he thought, "How strangely like dear Bidasari's face Is his, as when a reed is split in twain There is no difference between the halves." His home he left when Bidasari fair Became the Queen. He thought of her and wept. The prince observed him there, and said, with smiles: "Young man, my friend, from what far town art thou? Why dost thou weep so bitterly? What thoughts Arise in thee and make thy visage dark?" Young Sinapati bowed and said: "My lord, I came from Indrapura, in a ship, My wares to sell. For that I do not weep. But sorrow cometh to my heart whene'er I think upon my home, and brothers dear, And sisters." At these words the prince rejoiced. He thought, "From him some news I'll surely learn." Sherbets and dainties then to all the folk He offered, and the cup went 'round from dawn Till noon, and then the merchants went away; But the young prince kept Sinapati there. Now he already strong affection felt For him and said: "My friend, toward thee I'm moved And look upon thee as a brother dear. Thou dost at Indrapura live, but who May be thy patron there?" Then with a smile Young Sinapati said: "My patron's called Lila Djouhara, merchant great. He owns Some six or seven swift ships, and toileth more Than ever since he Bidasari took As child." In two days' time the young prince went With Sinapati to his father's house. "I bring thee news," he said, "but nothing yet Is sure. Behold from Indrapura far A youth, from whom I've things of import great. A merchant of Pesara, very rich, My sister must have found. All well agrees With what to me thou saidst. Now must we seek For confirmation of the glad report." To Sinapati gold and gems they gave. Then spake the King: "If this be so I'll send An envoy bearing richest gifts, and thanks Within a letter writ." The youthful prince Bowed low and said: "Oh, send me on this quest! Lila Djouhara I would like to see. Perhaps he's virtuous and just. If I Am made full sure it is my sister dear, I'll send a messenger. And if it be I'll bring her back."