THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
there is little risk of thefts either by witches or by wizards. Unless, indeed—"
"Speak out thy thoughts, fair dame, and fear nothing. Unless what?"
"Unless indeed," added the Rajput lady, with an arch smile, "as I have heard it sometimes happens, the King of Diamonds changes himself unto a Knave of Hearts."
"Five gold pieces more for thy bracelet, dear," exclaimed Queen Salima Begum, "for thou hast hit on the truth. Twenty gold pieces thou shalt have, my Rajput sister, for thou hast spoken the truth, which courtiers and ministers dare not speak before their Emperor."
"Why, this is treason in the palace, my gifted Queen!" exclaimed Akbar, laughing. "A lady from a friendly State enters this fort and hatches a libel against her monarch, and our own Queen joins the conspiracy. Hast thou not, child of the Muses, a word to say for men, constant and true, who devote their lives and dedicate their endeavours to their lady-love?"
The poetess smiled and shook her head, and replied in impromptu verse:
I
"Ask me not how men betray,
When their wandering fancies stray,
How their vows, too lightly taken,
Are as often lightly shaken,
How their pleading eyes can lie,
How their constancy can die!
II
Chains of steel will never bind
Love as fleeting as the wind,
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