Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/68

32 Virtue should be the aim and end
 * Of every life, all else is vain,

Duty should be its dearest friend
 * If higher life, it would attain."

"So sweet thy words ring on mine ear,
 * Gentle Savitri, that I fain

Would give some sign to make it clear
 * Thou hast not prayed to me in vain.

Satyavan's life I may not grant,
 * Nor take before its term thy life,

But I am not all adamant,
 * I feel for thee, thou faithful wife!

Ask thou aught else, and let it be
 * Some good thing for thyself or thine,

And I shall give it, child, to thee,
 * If any power on earth be mine."

"Well be it so. My husband's sire,
 * Hath lost his sight and fair domain,

Give to his eyes their former fire,
 * And place him on his throne again."

"It shall be done. Go back, my child,
 * The hour wears late, the wind feels cold,

The path becomes more weird and wild,
 * Thy feet are torn, there's blood, behold!