Page:Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje - The Achehnese Vol II. - tr. Arthur Warren Swete O'Sullivan (1906).djvu/148

 Nights, which has also been rendered into Achehnese and enjoys much popularity. The sequel puts one in mind of the dénouements of many of the Malay hikayats.

The "king" has a golden statue of himself placed at the entrance to the capital under strict guard and with instructions to bring to the court all such passers-by as are seen to gaze at it with emotion. Thus there come in succession the Kringgi, Si Puntōng (both of whom are thrown into prison) and Eseukanda Ali, on whose arrival Raʾna Jamin reveals her sex.

The wanderer, happy once more, marries both princesses together, and becomes king of Tahtanun. The Kringgi and Si Puntōng are set at liberty.

When the rumour of these tings spreads abroad, Sulòyman prepares for war, but is of course defeated, and Sulutan Ahli who had pretended to take his part through fear, is soon reconciled to his daughter's marriage. All now return to Keureutòë.

Some time after, Eseukanda Ali is reminded of his father in a dream and leaving both his wives behind starts off to pay him a visit. Raja Hadan of Hidian avails himself of his absence to make war on Keureutòë in revenge for the death of his relative Sulòyman. Eseukanda's two wives send letters asking aid of the old king of Tahtanun; he comes, quickly followed by Eseukanda Ali himself, who, informed by a dream of what is taking place, has hastened back again. By their united forces this last disturber of Eseukanda's happiness is also overthrown.

Nun Parisi (XVII).

Nun Parisi was the son of Raja Sarah, the ruler of Chamtalira (a corruption of Sumatra). His companions from early youth were Lidam, son of a mantri or state official, and ʿArian, son of a professional singer. The poet also brings on the scene three young girls, daughters of three advisers of Raja Sarah, thus at once prefiguring that the romance lies in store for the three young men.

While the boys are playing one day, a golden panta belonging to Nun Parisi finds its way into the pocket of one of his companions without his noticing it. He finds it later on, but keeps his discovery of