The fourth, a belt to gird the laggard's loins And whip to stimulate his laggard steeds. And thus arrayed they moved once round the course, Then to the palace, as a fitter place For beauty's contest than the open plain; The singers chanting a triumphal hymn, While many instruments, deep toned and shrill, And all the multitude, the chorus swell. This day his mission ceased to press the prince, And he forgot the sorrows of the world, So deep and earnest seemed the general joy. Even those with grinning skeletons at home In secret closets locked from public view, And care and sorrow rankling at their hearts, Joined in the general laugh and swelled the shouts, And seemed full happy though they only seemed. But through the games, while all was noisy mirth, He felt a new, strange feeling at his heart, And ever and anon he stole a glance At beauty's rose-embowered hiding-place, To catch a glimpse of those two laughing eyes, So penetrating yet so soft and mild. And at the royal banquet spread for all It chanced Yasodhara sat next the prince-- An accident by older heads designed-- And the few words that such constraint allowed Were music to his ears and touched his heart; And when her eyes met his her rosy blush Told what her maiden modesty would hide. And at the dance, when her soft hands touched his The music seemed to quicken, time to speed; But when she bowed and passed to other hands, Winding the mystic measure of the dance,[3] The music seemed to slacken, time to halt, Or drag his limping moments lingering on. At length, after the dance, the beauties passed Before the prince, and each received her prize. So rich and rare that each thought hers the first, A treasure to be kept and shown with pride, And handed down to children yet unborn. But when Yasodhara before him stood, The prizes all were gone; but from his neck He took a golden chain thick set with gems, And clasped it round her slender waist, and said: "Take this, and keep it for the giver's sake."