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

LUCKNOW
On the 18th of August, the Revolutionaries made another
attack on the English. On this day, as usual, a breach was
first made by dynamite and, then, the Revolutionaries
rushed forth. Malleson writes :—" One of their officers,
a very gallant fellow, sprang at once to the top of the
breach and, waving his sword, called on his men to follow.
Before, however, his summons was responded to, a bullet
had laid him low. His place was instantly occupied by
another, but he was as instantly killed. Etc., etc."
The bravery of the three men, as described even by Ferin-
ghis, was a match to Nicholson’s bravery at Delhi. But
it went in vain on account of the timidity of their fol-
lowers. Instead of pushing forth with redoubled vigour
at the death of the three, the thousands behind them
thought it prudent to retire. From this one event, what
a lesson ought to be learnt ?
These frequent attacks were not all. Before the terrible
daily fire of artillery and guns, the English found it un-
bearable to hold out much longer in spite of the excellent
assistance of the " loyal " Indians. Just then, Angad
again returned to Lucknow ! As the English commander
was about to ask him, in eager joy, how far Havelock
had marched according to his promise, the scout delivered
to him Havelock’s letter, " I cannot come towards Luck-
now for at least twenty-five days to come " ! Nothing is
more unbearable than despair following hope. Not only
dying patients and emaciated women but soldiers and
officers became extremely dispirited, sad, and frightened.
A death-like shadow came over the whole English force.
Food became dear and all were ordered to live on half-
rations ! Why this delay ? Why is a warrior like Have-
lock not coming to such an important work as the relief
of Lucknow ?
Without the delay of a moment, Havelock had left Cawn-
pore and crossed the Ganges as far back as the 29th
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