Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/84

48 Rakshases, Danavs, demons, ghosts,
 * Acknowledge in their hearts his might,

And slink to their remotest coasts,
 * In terror at his very sight.

Evil to him! Oh fear it not,
 * Whatever foes against him rise!

Banish for aye, the foolish thought,
 * And be thyself,—bold, great, and wise.

He call for help! Canst thou believe
 * He like a child would shriek for aid

Or pray for respite or reprieve—
 * Not of such metal is he made!

Delusive was that piercing cry,—
 * Some trick of magic by the foe;

He has a work,—he cannot die,
 * Beseech me not from hence to go.

For here beside thee, as a guard
 * 'Twas he commanded me to stay,

And dangers with my life to ward
 * If they should come across thy way.

Send me not hence, for in this wood
 * Bands scattered of the giants lurk,

Who on their wrongs and vengeance brood,
 * And wait the hour their will to work."