Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/38

2 What was her own peculiar charm? The soft black eyes, the raven hair, The curving neck, the rounded arm, All these are common everywhere. Her charm was this—upon her face Childlike and innocent and fair, No man with thought impure or base Could ever look;—the glory there, The sweet simplicity and grace, Abashed the boldest; but the good God's purity there loved to trace, Mirrored in dawning womanhood.

In those far-off primeval days Fair India's daughters were not pent In closed zenanas. On her ways Savitri at her pleasure went Whither she chose,—and hour by hour With young companions of her age. She roamed the woods for fruit or flower. Or loitered in some hermitage. For to the Munis gray and old Her presence was as sunshine glad, They taught her wonders manifold And gave her of the best they had.