Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/83

Rh Ah no, and I must run alone,
 * For further here I cannot stay;

Art thou transformed to blind dumb stone!
 * Wherefore this impious, strange delay!

That cry,—that cry,—it seems to ring
 * Still in my ears,—I cannot bear

Suspense; if help we fail to bring
 * His death at least we both can share."

"Oh calm thyself, Videhan Queen,
 * No cause is there for any fear,

Hast thou his prowess never seen?
 * Wipe off for shame that dastard tear!

What being of demonian birth
 * Could ever brave his mighty arm?

Is there a creature on the earth
 * That dares to work our hero harm?

The lion and the grisly bear
 * Cower when they see his royal look,

Sun-staring eagles of the air
 * His glance of anger cannot brook,

Pythons and cobras at his tread
 * To their most secret coverts glide,

Bowed to the dust each serpent head
 * Erect before in hooded pride.