१८५७ का स्वातन्त्र्य समर (वीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर - अंग्रेजों द्वारा छपने से पूर्व प्रतिबन्धित महाग्रन्थ)

DELHI FALLS
the English right to take the Kabul gate. When it
reached Sabzi Mandi, it met the Sepoys who had come
out of Delhi to oppose it. Major Reid fell in the first
encounter, the English advance was checked, there was
confusion in the English camp, the Revolutionaries were
elated, and it seemed that the English would be routed.
But Hope Grant brought up the cavalry and the battle
again became equal. Though the English artillery opened
a terrible fire from every house and garden of Kishenganj,
the Revolutionaries sent bullets flying and shed pools of
blood. The English cavalry also found it impossible to
advance. But it was also impossible to return for fear
that the Revolutionaries might capture the guns. The
English cavalry stuck to their posts to die. Not a man
moved from his place, except by death. Of the grand
bravery and discipline of the Indian cavalrymen, their
commander, Hope Grant, says : “ The native cavalrymen
remained firm. Their valour is unparalleled. When I
began to encourage them, they said : Do not be anxious!
We will stand this fire as long as you wish ! ”
Equal bravery was shown by the Indians who were fight-
ing for love of country and freedom. The infuriated
Revolutionaries, fighting every inch of space, made a great
effort near the Idgarh. More and more desperate attacks.
When the English force, trying to capture Idgarh, was
wavering, the Revolutionaries delivered another fierce
attack. The English retired. The Revolutionaries
pursued, vigorously attacking them all the way, up to
their guns and cavalry. Now, at last, the English forces
are leaving the field after abandoning the position which
they held so long ! Bravo, Revolutionaries, bravo ! You
have shown a splendid fight ! If all of you had been as
brave, and as disciplined !—
While the fourth column was being thus foiled, the three
English columns that had entered Delhi waited for a
short time at the Kashmir gate and then rushed forth to
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