Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/139

Rh Rustled the dry leaves neath his foot,
 * And made an eerie sound,

A neighbouring owl began to hoot,
 * All else was still around.

At the first rustle of the leaves
 * The Muni answered clear,

"Lo, here he is—oh wherefore grieves
 * Thy soul, my partner dear?"

The words distinct, the monarch heard,
 * He could no further go,

His nature to its depths was stirred,
 * He stopped in speechless woe.

No steps advanced,—the sudden pause
 * Attention quickly drew,

Rolled sightless orbs to learn the cause,
 * But, hark!—the steps renew.

"Where art thou, darling—why so long
 * Hast thou delayed to-night?

We die of thirst,—we are not strong,
 * This fasting kills outright.