To hear thee say thou wilt so soon depart. Of low extraction must I be! 'Twas wrong For thee to call thyself my brother. I A poor and feeble orphan am, and how Should I the love deserve of a great prince?" When this he heard the prince bowed low his head And was much troubled. "Sister sweet," he said, "Grieve not like this. I only do return Because our parents must so anxious be. I love thee so, my darling, that my heart Is nearly breaking. If thou speakest thus To me, my dear, my grief will still increase. I could not leave thee, but I must respect Our parents' wishes. They commanded me All haste to make. So--sweet--I pray thee have Compassion on me." Much disturbed, the King Observed the sorrow of the princess fair. He kissed her lips, to her a _sepah_ gave, And said with tender voice: "My darling wife, What dost thou wish? Let now thy brother go. We'll see thy parents here ere many days." The Queen wept bitterly, and said to him: "His wishes I do not oppose. Let him Do whatsoe'er it pleaseth him to do. For I am but a stranger, a lost child, And who should think of me or love me true?" Then bowed the prince and said: "In very truth, I know thou art my sister. Speak not thus. God knows how much I love thee, sister mine. If thou dost not permit me to depart I'll not resist. I'm happy here with thee, But our dear parents are in cruel doubt, And look for news of thee. Now that I know Thy husband is a king, our parents dear Would be so overjoyed to learn it too!" Then spoke the King with face all radiant, "Return not, brother mine," he said. "I'll send Swift messengers to bear the gladsome news That Bidasari's found. Then, if he wills, Thy royal father here we'll hope to see. I'll go myself to meet him when he comes." The young prince bowed and said: "Nay, rather send Thy messengers, a great king cannot go So far away." Queen Bidasari heard These words and much rejoiced, and gayly gave Her brother then her betel-box. The King Caressed his wife and said, "My dearest soul, Love not thy brother more than me." He called Lila Mengindra. Soon the merchant came Before the King and prince. The King exclaimed: "Come here, my uncle. Tell me, wilt thou take A letter to the King of Kembajat-- To prove to him we live?"