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.
35
