Page:Stars of the Desert.djvu/47

 The gipsy's youth is all but o'er, Her time for children past, The people say, "Without a son How shall the kingdom last?"

And louder yet the murmurs grow Of folly and disgrace, And faster still the Rani's tears Flow down her youthful face.

One night, a faithful handmaiden Unto her chamber came; "Presence," she said, "'tis thou alone Canst save the king from shame.

"The gipsy girl we drugged to-night And stole her silks away, Rise thou, and play the wanton's part Until the dawn of day.

"We gave a philtre to the king To set his brain afire, And thou shalt take the gipsy's place To solace his desire.

"Thus lying joyous on thy heart, If all propitious be, He, thinking of the gipsy's charms, Shall bring a son to thee.

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