Once upon a time, there was the mighty King Makbur Syah. His power was immense, and his country's territory was vast and continued to grow.

King Makbur Syah is very warlike. So far, he has not found a worthy opponent. In every war, thousands of people were slaughtered. Every day, he killed no less than forty people.

As the years passed, King Makbur Shah ran out of people to kill. His Majesty was restless. He went around looking for people to kill.

At the forest's edge, he met an old man in a white robe with a virgin. The virgin was so beautiful that the King was mesmerized.

"I will kill that old man," thought the King. "The beautiful virgin by his side I will make my wife."

So King Makbur Syah approached the two men. "He old fart," said his majesty. "Prepare to die."

The old man just smiled kindly.

King Makbur Syah immediately drew his sword and slashed it. A clanging sound was heard, and sparks flashed. The sword broke, but the old man didn't flinch.

For a moment, King Makbur Syah was stunned. His heart was shaken with great surprise. This was the first time his majesty had seen real magic.

"Now reply to me, old man," said His Majesty. "You didn't fight back then, I won't fight back now."

"Forgive Your Majesty," the old man said. "I will not fight back."

"Why is that?"

"Because God has the right to retaliate."

"God? Who is that?" asked His Majesty King Makbur Syah.

"You don't know?"

King Makbur Shah shook his head, and he realized there were still other things he didn't know. With great embarrassment, King Makbur Syah fell to his knees and worshipped.

"Forgive me, O gallant old man, please let Tuang take me as a disciple."

From that moment on, King Makbur Syah studied with the old man. He received various wisdoms from him with all his heart. Not long afterwards, he married the old man's daughter.

The cruel King Makbur Shah had become a wise king. The country was peaceful, and the people were happy. The war had long ceased.

One dawn on the steps of the Great Mosque, King Makbur Syah told the congregation about his sinful past.

Everyone on the steps of the mosque murmured and clucked to hear him. An old man who was now Baginda's teacher and father-in-law said. "That is similar to the tales I have heard," the old man said.

Source: Bunga Rampai Sastra Betawi - Department of Culture and Museum of DKI Jakarta Province 2022