For me through all these years? 'Tis not so far From here to Kembajat." The young prince bowed. "Thy words I bear upon my head," he said, "O sister dear. Pray banish from thy heart All hatred. If thou'rt lowly born, I am Likewise. Our realm was ravaged at thy birth. But shortly afterward fair peace returned, And to his own my father came again. I've seen how much he suffers in his heart. Thy name he never utters without tears-- He never hath forgotten thee. Forgive Him, then, in what he was remiss. Except For stern necessity he never would Have thee abandoned." Then the King with smiles Said: "Speak to him, my dear. He tells the truth. Thy parents wandered through a desert land Beneath a cruel sun. Impossible It was to carry thee through brier and brush." Down at his sister's feet the young prince knelt. Then Bidasari clasped him in her arms. The brave young prince to them recounted all The sorrows of his parents. Much he wept, And they wept, too, as he the story told. Then sat they down to dine. And afterward They _siri_ took and perfumes of all kinds. Then the young prince took leave. "Where goest thou, My brother?" asked the King. "I fain would go Straight home to my dear parents," said the prince. But, with a voice affectionate, the King Replied: "Seek not Lila Mengindra. Here Thou shouldst remain, for thou hast met within This palace thy dear sister. There is room Enough for thee. Stay here with all thy folk And retinue." The prince bowed low, and forth Unto the merchant went, and to him said: "Within the palace now I shall remain With all my retinue, for thus the King Commands." The merchant said: "'Tis very well For where can one lodge better than within The palace?" So the prince returned, with all His people, to the palace of the King. Then all the _mantris_ came, and festivals And feasts were held. As long as he remained At Indrapura, the young prince received All courtesies. And Bidasari fair Was known as daughter of a mighty king. The news was carried far and wide, and all Repeated how her brother brave had come To seek for her.