In dudgeon high he left the court,
Nor ask'd the king's command;
But found himself deceived, betray'd,
A captive in the land.
But who can cross the fox's wile?
Control the eagle free?
The royal guards are shrewd and true,
But where is Sivajee?
The bird has flown; no stubborn cage
Its wily heart could tame;
For deadlier works of death prepare—
He comes with sword and flame!
Ye ply to trap with subtle words;
That feeble art is vain;
The trusting bird, when once deceived,
Will never trust again.
No, ne'er again he'll cross the hall
To cringe on servile knee,
But oft, through battle's dusky smoke,
His blood-red sword ye'll see;
At merry feast he may not join,
But through the war-clouds dun,
O'er gasping chiefs and soldiers slain,
He'll lead the carnage on.
The bravest hearts shall own with dread
The fury of his wrath,
And sights of woe alone shall mark
The dread avenger's path;
With horror mute the wife shall gaze
Upon her murder'd lord,
While yet shall glow, though wet and dim,
The unrelenting sword.
Page:The Bengali Book of English Verse.djvu/98
66
SHOSHEE CHUNDER DUTT.
