three is ruin--the inevitable lot,
Desolate of thee, their guardian--wherefore, Oh, forsake us not!
The dark way before her husband--'tis a wife's first bliss to go,
'Tis a wife's that hath borne children--this the wise, the holy know.
For thee forsaken be my daughter--let my son forsaken be,
I for thee forsook my kindred--and forsake my life for thee.
More than offering 'tis, than penance--liberal gift or sacrifice,
When a wife, thus clearly summoned--for her husband's welfare dies.
That which now to do I hasten--all the highest duty feel,
For thy bliss, for thy well-doing--thine and all thy race's weal.
Men, they say, but pray for children--riches, or a generous friend,
To assist them in misfortune--and a wife for the same end.
The whole race (the wise declare it)--thou the increaser of thy race,
Than the single self less precious--ever holds a second place.
Let me then discharge the duty--and preserve thyself by me,
Give me thine assent, all-honoured--and my children's guardian be.
Women must be spared from slaughter--this the learn'd in duty say,
Even the giant knows that duty--me he will not dare to slay.
Of the man the death is certain--of the woman yet in doubt,
Wherefore, noblest, on the instant--as the victim send me out.
I have lived with many blessings--I have well fulfilled my part,
I have given thee beauteous offspring--death hath nought t' appal mine
heart.
I've borne children, I am aged--in my soul I've all revolved,
And with spirit strong to serve thee--I am steadfast and resolved.
Offering me, all-honoured husband--thou another wife wilt find,
And to her wilt do thy duty--gentle as to me, and kind.
Many wives if he espouses--man incurs nor sin nor blame,
For a wife to wed another--'tis inexpiable shame.
This well weighed within thy spirit--and the sin thyself to die,
Save thyself, thy race, thy children--be the single victim I.

* * * * *

Hearing thus his wife, the husband--fondly clasp'd her to his breast,
And their tears they poured together--by their mutual grief oppressed.

THIRD SONG.

Of these two the troubled language--in the chamber as she heard,
Lost herself in grief the daughter--thus took up the doleful word.

_The_ DAUGHTER _spake_.

Why to sorrow thus abandoned?--weep not thus, as all forlorn,