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

RANEE LAKSHMI BAI
she was leaving Jhansi, perhaps for ever. She took a
select number of horsemen with her. An elephant with
jewels on him was placed in the middle and Ranee
Lakshmi descended the fort amidst cries of “ Har, Har,
Mahadev ! ” She put on male apparel ; a steel armour
covered her person, a Jammia was in her girdle ; a fine
sword hung from her belt, a silver cup was in her Pudder,
and her adopted child Damodar was on her back, tied in
a silk Dhoti. Thus accoutred, riding on a noble white
steed, this queen, Lakshmi, looked like the goddess of
war. When the north gate came, the sentry who belonged
to the traitor army of the Tehri State asked, “ Who goes
there ? ” “ The army of Tehri is going to the aid of Sir
Hugh Rose,” was the answer. The sentry was satisfied
and the Ranee advanced, evading the English sentry too
in a similar manner. One maid, one bargeer, and ten or
fifteen horsemen formed her body-guard, and marched
through the camp of the enemy. But her other horsemen
were stopped by the English on suspicion and had to
fight hard. Moro Punt Tambe, wounded though he was,
was able to run as far as Datia. But the traitor Dewan
of that State captured him and gave him over to the
English, who later on hanged him.
But, Lakshmi, put your horse now in a gallop. For
Lieutenant Bowker is galloping behind, followed by select
horsemen, in order to capture you. And you, O horse,
fortunate on account of the sacred treasure you carry,
gallop on ! Let the men of Bharata be traitors, but, ye
animals, ye at least be faithful ! O Night, drop the cur-
tain of darkness between Queen Lakshmi and her enemies!
O horse, fleeting as you are, quicker than the wind,
balance Lakshmi lightly ! Ye paths, do not obstruct the
horse’s onward march ! O ye stars, shine not for the
enemy, but just shine so that this tender beauty, delicate
as a flower, should be encouraged on the way by your
rays, cool as nectar ! The dawn has now broken ; so,
heroic Queen, flying all night on the wings of the wind,
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