Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/47

Rh Once, and once only, have I given
 * My heart and faith—'tis past recall;

With conscience none have ever striven,
 * And none may strive, without a fall.

Not the less solemn was my vow
 * Because unheard, and oh! the sin

Will not be less, if I should now
 * Deny the feeling felt within.

Unwedded to my dying day
 * I must, my father dear, remain;

'Tis well, if so thou will'st, but say
 * Can man balk Fate, or break its chain?

If Fate so rules, that I should feel
 * The miseries of a widow's life,

Can man's device the doom repeal?
 * Unequal seems to be a strife,

Between Humanity and Fate;
 * None have on earth what they desire;

Death comes to all or soon or late;
 * And peace is but a wandering fire;

Expediency leads wild astray;
 * The Right must be our guiding star;

Duty our watchword, come what may;
 * Judge for me, friends,—as wiser far."