Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/92

56 These bracelets are a mighty charm,
 * They keep a lover ever true,

And widowhood avert, and harm,
 * Buy them, and thou shalt never rue.

Just try them on!"—She stretched her hand,
 * "Oh what a nice and lovely fit!

No fairer hand, in all the land,
 * And lo! the bracelet matches it."

Dazzled the pedlar on her gazed
 * Till came the shadow of a fear,

While she the bracelet arm upraised
 * Against the sun to view more clear.

Oh she was lovely, but her look
 * Had something of a high command

That filled with awe. Aside she shook
 * Intruding curls by breezes fanned

And blown across her brows and face,
 * And asked the price, which when she heard

She nodded, and with quiet grace
 * For payment to her home referred.

"And where, O maiden, is thy house?
 * But no, that wrist-ring has a tongue,

No maiden art thou, but a spouse,
 * Happy, and rich, and fair, and young."