1839.] Specimen of the Burmese Drama. 549 



Devil. Tush ! Tush ! Your sword is only a hand's breadth — you 

 are unarmed — you are like the flimsy paper which is tough in the sun- 

 shine, but which falls to pieces in the rain. 



Prince. Listen, devil ! Your pride is excessive ; if you do not re- 

 treat, you will be slain. 



Devil. Attend, prince ! Whoever enters this forest of Hay won ta, 

 must acknowledge my power, and become my prey. [Music. 



Devil Oh, prince, make me your slave. 



Prince. Forest king, are we not near the cane barrier and the 

 copper stream ? conduct me past them. 



SONG. 



[The devil conducts the prince* 

 Devil. Oh, good prince, if anything happens to you, remember to 

 call upon me for aid, I will now return to my post. 



SONG. 



Prince. The silver mountain towards which my face is now turn- 

 ed, is still distant; my good genius is forsaking me, and my bad fate is 

 leaving me a prisoner in this wilderness of dangers. 



SONG. 



The Prince arrives at a gigantic thorn tree, upon which are sitting 

 two monstrous birds, with faces like mortals. 



Female bird [to her mate.~\ We have satisfied our hunger to-day 

 upon the flesh of lions, elephants, and deer ; what I wonder shall w r e 

 find to-morrow ? 



Male bird. Beautiful is thy speckled plumage ; to-morrow the 

 princess of the silver mount will bathe and anoint her head. I smeli 

 the food preparing for the feast ; there will be more than I can devour — 

 I will keep some in my pouch for you. 



Prince. Ch, powerful birds which roost upon this immense thorn 

 tree ! — 



Male Bird. Since I first alighted upon this tree, I have never 

 heard the human voice. What art thou ? 



Prince. Oh, mighty bird, listen, and I will tell— assist me to reach 

 the silver mountain, and I will repay your favour. 



Bird. Be not concerned, for 1 will give you the help you ask, 

 young prince ;— neither horse nor elephant assisted you to make the 



