With bitter cruel torments, and deeds of shameful kind,
They racked and broke his body, but could not shake his mind.
And only at the Azan, when all their worst was vain,
They left him, like dogs slinking from a lion in his pain.
No meat nor drink they gave him through all that burning day,
And done to death, but scornful, at twilight-time he lay.
So when the gem of Shiva uprose, the shining moon,
Soorj spake unto his spirit, "The end is coming soon."
"I would the end might hasten, could Neila only know—
What is that Nautch-girl singing with voice so known and low?
"Singing beneath the cage-bars the song of love and fear
My Neila sang at parting!—what doth that Nautch-girl here?
"Whence comes she by the music of Neila's tender strain,
She, in that shameless tinsel?—O Nautch-girl, sing again!"
"Ah, Soorj!"—so followed answer—"here thine own Neila stands,
Faithful in life and death alike,—look up, and take my hands:
"Speak low, lest the guard hear us;—to-night, if thou must die,
Shureef shall have no triumph, but bear thee company."
So sang she like the Koil that dies beside its mate;
With eye as black and fearless, and love as hot and great.