Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/308

 I gasped: "A kingdom waits my lord; her love is but her own. "A day shall mar, a day shall cure, for her but what for thee? "Cut loose the girl: he follows fast. Cut loose and ride alone!" Then Scindia 'twixt his blistered lips: "My Queens' Queen shall she be!

"Of all who ate my bread last night 'twas she alone that came "To seek her love between the spears and find her crown therein! "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.

Then Scindia checked the gasping mare that rocked and groaned for breath, And wheeled to charge and plunged the knife a hands-breadth in her side