Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 14, 1903.djvu/444

402 Followed by the sons of the rajas and ministers. Far off as the eye can see, the rajas' sons halt. The princess mounts the platform herself. Să-kambar now goes to the magician, Saying, "My grandfather, help I pray thee with speed, "Even now the griffin is about to take the princess "And I long to help to set her free." The grandfather calls for his horse of green colour, Along with riding-whip and full caparison. Weapons complete, sword and arrows, "The horse which I give you is called Harjin." Indra Bangsāwan now mounts the horse, His figure adorned with beautiful raiment. He whipped the horse, which ran with unheard-of speed, And came and stood before the platform. The princess was watching and gazing, And she said, "From whence does my lord come? "Do you wish indeed to be lost? "But still help me, I pray you, in no ordinary way." He then descends from his horse And ties the bridle to the mouth of the vessel. "If the griffin should drink of the water, "Strike him and kick him with your hoofs." Indra Bangsāwan mounts the platform, He salutes the princess with an embrace. "Let my lady be calm and have patience," He begs her; while he sings:— "Ever and again, a bird goes astray, "The pigeon and the turtle dove. "Thy servant will help with all his power. "Until I came here, my lot was to die. "The horse's bridle helps to bind, "And the flock of pigeons flies away. "Not the least fear has your slave, "For the sake of my lady let me die." A loud noise as of a tempest of wind and rain— The griffin approaches, this is the sign. He comes and stands in front. And seeing water he straightway drinks. Then the horse pulls the lasso of great length. The while he bites, and kicks moreover. Indra Bangsāwan cleaves with his sword; The griffin dies and lies all his length; The eyes and snouts are quickly taken.