Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/43

Rh "Now welcome, welcome, dear old friend.
 * All hail, and welcome once again!"

The greeting had not reached its end,
 * When glided like a music-strain

Savitri's presence through the room.—
 * "And who is this bright creature, say,

Whose radiance lights the chamber's gloom—
 * Is she an Apsara or fay?"

"No son thy servant hath, alas!
 * This is my one,—my only child;"—

"And married?"—"No."—"The seasons pass,
 * Make haste, O king,"—he said, and smiled.

"That is the very theme, O sage,
 * In which thy wisdom ripe I need;

Seen hath she at the hermitage
 * A youth to whom in very deed

Her heart inclines."—"And who is he?"
 * "My daughter, tell his name and race,

Speak as to men who best love thee."
 * She turned to them her modest face,

And answered quietly and clear.—
 * "Ah, no! ah, no!—It cannot be—

Choose out another husband, dear,"—
 * The Muni cried,—"or woe is me!"