Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/61

Rh Death in his palace holds his court,
 * His messengers move to and fro,

Each of his mission makes report,
 * And takes the royal orders,—Lo,

Some slow before his throne appear
 * And humbly in the Presence kneel:

"Why hath the Prince not been brought here?
 * The hour is past; nor is appeal

Allowed against foregone decree;
 * There is the mandate with the seal!

How comes it ye return to me
 * Without him? Shame upon your zeal!"

"O King, whom all men fear,—he lies
 * Deep in the dark Medhya wood,

We fled from thence in wild surprise,
 * And left him in that solitude.

We dared not touch him, for there sits,
 * Beside him, lighting all the place,

A woman fair, whose brow permits
 * In its austerity of grace