Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/78

42 Of earthly life, and that Beyond
 * In which a son can help by rites.

Oh what a love is theirs—how fond!
 * Whom now Despair, perhaps, benights.

Infirm herself, my mother dear
 * Now guides, methinks, the tottering feet

Of my blind father, for they hear
 * And hasten eagerly to meet

Our fancied steps. O faithful wife
 * Let us on wings fly back again,

Upon their safety hangs my life!"
 * He tried his feelings to restrain,

But like some river swelling high
 * They swept their barriers weak and vain,

Sudden there burst a fearful cry,
 * Then followed tears,—like autumn rain.

Hush! Hark, a sweet voice rises clear!
 * A voice of earnestness intense,

"If I have worshipped Thee in fear
 * And duly paid with reverence

The solemn sacrifices,—hear!
 * Send consolation, and thy peace

Eternal, to our parents dear,
 * That their anxieties may cease.