Page:Departmental Ditties and Ballads and Barrack-Room Ballads, Kipling, 1899.djvu/222

38 "One shame is mine to-day, what need the weight of double shame?

"If once we reach the Delhi gate, though all be lost, I win!"

We rode—the white mare failed—her trot a staggering stumble grew,—

The cooking-smoke of even rose and weltered and hung low;

And still we heard the Populzai and still we strained anew,

And Delhi town was very near, but nearer was the foe.

Yea, Delhi town was very near when Lalun whispered:—"Slay!

"Lord of my life, the mare sinks fast—stab deep and let me die!"

But Scindia would not, and the maid tore free and flung away,

And turning as she fell we heard the clattering Populzai.