Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/79

Rh Oh, ever hath I loved Thy truth
 * Therefore on Thee I dare to call,

Help us, this night, and them, for sooth
 * Without thy help, we perish all."

She took in hers Satyavan's hand,
 * She gently wiped his falling tears,

"This weakness, Love, I understand!
 * Courage!" She smiled away his fears.

"Now we shall go, for thou art strong."
 * She helped him rise up by her side

And led him like a child along,
 * He, wistfully the basket eyed

Laden with fruit and flowers. "Not now,
 * To-morrow we shall fetch it hence."

And so, she hung it on a bough,
 * I'll bear thy saw for our defence."

In one fair hand the saw she took,
 * The other with a charming grace

She twined around him, and her look
 * She turnèd upwards to his face.

Thus aiding him she felt anew
 * His bosom beat against her own—

More firm his step, more clear his view,
 * More self-possessed his words and tone