Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/16

xvi Dhruva the luckless! But for all this, child, It is not meet that thou should'st ever grieve As I have said. That man is truly wise Who is content with what he has, and seeks Nothing beyond, but in whatever sphere Lowly or great, God placed him, works in faith; My son, my son, though proud Suruchee spake Harsh words indeed, and hurt thee to the quick, Yet to thine eyes thy duty should be plain. Collect a large sum of the virtues; thence A goodly harvest must to thee arise. Be meek, devout, and friendly, full of love, Intent to do good to the human race And to all creatures sentient made of God; And oh, be humble, for on modest worth Descends prosperity, even as water flows Down to low grounds.'


 * She ﬁnished, and her son,

Who patiently had listened, thus replied:


 * 'Mother, thy words of consolation find

Nor resting-place nor echo in this heart, Broken by words severe, repulsing Love That timidly approached to worship. Hear My resolve unchangeable. I shall try The highest good, the loftiest place to win, Which the whole world deems priceless and desires. There is a crown above my father’s crown: I shall obtain it, and at any cost Of toil, or penance, or unceasing prayer. Not born of proud Suruchee whom the King Favours and loves, but grown up from a germ In thee, O mother, humble as thou art, I yet shall show thee what is in my power. Thou shalt behold my glory and rejoice.