In the Round Tower at Jhansi
June 8, 1857
A hundred, a thousand to one; even so;Not a hope in the world remained:The swarming howling wretches belowGained and gained and gained.
Skene looked at his pale young wife:—‘Is the time come?’—‘The time is come!’—Young, strong, and so full of life:The agony struck them dumb.
Close his arm about her now,Close her cheek to his, 10Close the pistol to her brow—God forgive them this!
‘Will it hurt much?’—‘No, mine own:I wish I could bear the pang for both.’‘I wish I could bear the pang alone:Courage, dear, I am not loth.’
Kiss and kiss: ‘It is not painThus to kiss and die.One kiss more.’—‘And yet one again.’—‘Good-bye.’—‘Good-bye.’ 20