Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/152

116 "Cease, babbler! 'tis enough! I know Thy proud, rebellious nature well. Ho! Captain of our lifeguards, ho! Take down this lad to dungeon-cell, And bid the executioner wait Our orders." All unmoved and calm, He went, as reckless of his fate, Erect and stately as a palm.

Hushed was the hall, as down he past, No breath, no whisper, not a sign, Through ranks of courtiers, all aghast Like beaten hounds that dare not whine. Outside the door, the Captain spoke, "Recant," he said beneath his breath; "The lion's anger to provoke Is death, O prince, is certain death."

"Thanks," said the prince,—"I have revolved The question in my mind with care, Do what you will,—I am resolved, To do the right, all deaths I dare. The gods, perhaps, may please to spare My tender years; if not,—why, still I never shall my faith forswear, I can but say, be done their will."