Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/44

8 "And why should I? When I have given
 * My heart away, though but in thought,

Can I take back? Forbid it, Heaven!
 * It were a deadly sin, I wot.

And why should I? I know no crime
 * In him or his."—"Believe me, child,

My reasons shall be clear in time,
 * I speak not like a madman wild;

Trust me in this."—"I cannot break
 * A plighted faith,—I cannot bear

A wounded conscience."—"Oh, forsake
 * This fancy, hence may spring despair."—

"It may not be."—The father heard
 * By turns the speakers, and in doubt

Thus interposed a gentle word,—
 * "Friend should to friend his mind speak out,

Is he not worthy? tell us."—"Nay,
 * All worthiness is in Satyavan,

And no one can my praise gainsay:
 * Of solar race—more god than man!

Great Soorasen, his ancestor.
 * And Dyoumatsen his father blind

Are known to fame: I can aver
 * No kings have been so good and kind."