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

RANEE LAKSHMI BAI
ed for delight ; by the defeat of Tatia on the 1st of April,
not only that joy but the very hope of victory is dashed
to pieces ; and those supplies, to deprive the enemy of
which thousands of lives had been sacrificed, have fallen
with ease into the enemy's hands. Tatia's ammunition
and guns also have fallen into their hands. All this is
certainly true. But, why this despair ? The enemy may
render it impossible for you to live victorious, but he
cannot deprive you of a death of glory. There is nothing
to despair for, then ! And stop, hear the steady, firm,
courageous voice of Ranee Lakshmi.
" It was not relying on the Peshwa that Jhansi fought so
long nor does she require his help to continue her fight
in the future. So far, your self-respect, your daring, your
determination, and your bravery have been exhibited by
you most admirably. I urge to do the same now and to
fight with courage and desperation."
Aye, fight with desperation, be ready, let the battle-drums
beat, and the trumpets sound ! Let war-cries rend the
air and let big guns thunder forth ! The 3rd of April
has dawned and the last assault of the English on Jhansi
has begun. They are coming from all sides and pressing
hard. Start, then, in right, good, deadly earnest ! See
how the goddess of war has taken the sword and see how
she is making her way through the troops. She is mov-
ing about with lightning rapidity, presenting some with
golden bracelets, some with dresses ; some she is touching
with her sacred touch to pat, to some she is offering her
sweet smile ; others she is encouraging with her heroic
words. So now ! Gulam Ghose Khan and Kuar Khuda
Bhaksh, let the fire be most deadly ! The enemy is storm-
ing the main gate and the fortifications, ladders have been
planted at eight different places. "Har, Har, Mahadev!"
From the fort, from ramparts, and from houses came a
perfect shower of bullets, a constant succession of shots.
The deep-mouthed cannon are vomiting forth burning red-
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