Bringing their weapons, spears and blowpipes.[1]
They arrive within a day's journey,
There they set their camp,
Sleeping-places and food.
The news is brought unto the king.
Saying, "The enemy have arrived,
"Bringing abundance of elephants and horses,
"Weapons complete, spears and pennons."
The king gathers his people together:
"What is the counsel of my lords?
"The rajas' sons come wishing for war,
"With all our might we shall withstand."
Three of the older rajas' sons reply,
"Our counsel is to make war on the fort,
"If there is no answer to our letter,
"To-morrow shall we joust[2] upon the plain."
When therefore they had thus written
The letter, they send it to the warriors
Within the city of Anta Permana.
To the king it is delivered.
When he heard the contents thereof.
His heart within him was greatly moved.
Greatly concerned at the letter's contents,
He commanded all weapons to be made ready.
"Hei ambassador, quickly return,
"And say to the nine rajas' sons,
"Whenever they wish." And he ordered him back.
Back went the ambassador without taking leave,
And when he reached the rajas' sons
He with reverence made known the words of the king.[3]
The rajas' sons were angry as burning coals,
"To-morrow to war we shall all of us go."
To Indra Bangsāwan, his grandsire thus spake,
"For what reason comes my son this night?"
"To-morrow the king intends to make war.
"In thy servant's idea he cannot withstand,
"And because of this am I come to you,
"Wishing to help the king myself,
"Because I am greatly in love with the princess."
Many a talisman his grandfather gives him,
"I wish for," he said, "my sword and my horse."
Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 14, 1903.djvu/446
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Collectanea.
