"Ah, awful God! who hold'st the world in leash,"
The Princess said, "restraining evil men,
And leading good men--even unconscious--there,
Where they attain, hear yet those famous words:--

_"The constant virtues of the good are tenderness and love
To all that lives--in earth, air, sea--great, small--below, above;
Compassionate of heart, they keep a gentle thought for each,
Kind in their actions, mild in will, and pitiful of speech;
Who pitieth not, he hath not faith; full many an one so lives,
But when an enemy seeks help, a good man gladly gives."_

"As water to the thirsty," Yama said,
"Princess, thy words melodious are to me.
Except the life of Satyavan, thy lord,
Ask one boon yet again, for I will grant."

Answer made Savitri: "The King, my sire,
Hath no male child. Let him see many sons
Begotten of his body, who may keep
The royal line long regnant. This I ask."

"So shall it be," the Lord of Death replied;
"A hundred fair preservers of his race
Thy sire shall boast. But this wish being won,
Return, dear Princess; thou hast come too far."

"It is not far for me," quoth Savitri,
"Since I am near my husband; nay, my heart
Is set to go as far as to the end;