Page:Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.djvu/95

Rh Lay all around. And lo! the manse,
 * Humble but neat with open door!

He paused, and blest the lucky chance
 * That brought his bark to such a shore.

Huge straw ricks, log huts full of grain,
 * Sleek cattle, flowers, a tinkling bell,

Spoke in a language sweet and plain,
 * "Here smiling Peace and Plenty dwell."

Unconsciously he raised his cry,
 * "Shell-bracelets ho!" And at his voice

Looked out the priest, with eager eye,
 * And made his heart at once rejoice.

"Ho, Sankha pedlar! Pass not by,
 * But step thou in, and share the food

Just offered on our altar high,
 * If thou art in a hungry mood.

Welcome are all to this repast!
 * The rich and poor, the high and low!

Come, wash thy feet, and break thy fast,
 * Then on thy journey strengthened go."

"Oh thanks, good priest! Observance due
 * And greetings! May thy name be blest!

I came on business, but I knew,
 * Here might be had both food and rest