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

RANEE LAKSHMI BAI
among the Revolutionary leaders. Rao Sahib was has-
tening towards the house of the Nabob of Banda and the
Nabob of Banda was rushing towards the house of Rao
Sahib. But, in the midst of all this confusion, the Ranee
alone was calm and was ready. Her sword was out.
What need she fear now ? Hope as well as despair she
had trampled under foot ; she treated with contempt the
things on this earth ; she had one aspiration alone, namely,
that the flag of liberty should stand proudly erect until
she gave up her last breath ! Neither of them were to
be in the dust ; they were to lie in battle alone. So,
she gave Rao Sahib a word of courage, rearranged the
undisciplined troops as far as she could, and took upon
herself the task of guarding the eastern gate. She only
demanded, " I am ready with all my soul to do my duty ;
mind, you do yours ! "
She donned her usual military uniform, rode a noble
steed, took out her gem-bestudded sword from the sheath,
and ordered the army under her to march on. She made
ready all the posts near Kotaki Serai which had been
given to her care and, when the English army was in
sight, everywhere, trumpets and pipes, drums and nagaras
rent the air. If only she had an army, equal in courage
and daring to herself ! Even the insubordinate and hesi-
tating felt heroic under her influence and, with them and
her select band of horsemen, she charged hard the Eng-
lish army ! Her two female friends, Mandar and Kashi,
also fought bravely by her side. May the sweet memory
of these two patriotic girls—beautiful in appearance,
with male attire put on, taking pleasure in fight—
live in history along with that of their mistress as long
as history lives ! A general like Smith was charging the
Ranee's army, but to-day the Ranee's bravery and daring
were a sight to see. Like lightning, she moved about all
day. The English attacked the solid phalanx a number
of times. On every occasion she maintained her hold
firm. Her army occasionally felt enthusiastic and attack-
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