Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/90

 and father and son met in Ceylon and came back to their happy home. The song was simple, but Raja Man Singh appreciated the faith which inspired it and handsomely rewarded the singer. Imperial officers of high rank and dignity condescended also to bestow on the poor poet their smile of favour. The names of these great dignitaries of the Court are now forgotten; Mukunda Ram's name and poetry live to the present day among the most cherished treasures of a nation's literature.

The place was cleared, and Noren was at last brought before the Ruler of Bengal. There was silence all around, and Man Singh looked with pitying eyes on the young and handsome boy, the unfortunate and misguided descendant of a noble and historic House.

"Norendra Nath Roy," at last spoke Man Singh addressing the prisoner by his full name, "it grieves me to see you thus on the very spot where your grandfather was honoured, and the sword of your House was placed in your cradle by the great Raja Todar Mull. You have been rash and misguided, you have imperilled the life of your guardian, and your followers have risen against those who were appointed to keep order and peace. Blood has been shed. Yet I would judge you leniently, and your grandfather's memory pleads in your favour. Your guardian, Nobo Kumar, does not bring any charge against you of a deliberate attempt on his life; and the generous youth, Sirish, who saved him, has assured us on his oath and word of honour that you are incapable of any design against the life of your guardian. I am willing to accept their assurance, I will believe