Now bright, now red, the sabers sped ...

by Robert E. Howard

Now bright, now red, the sabers sped among the racing horde,

The Afghan knife reft Hindu life and leaped the Rajput sword.

Oh, red and blue, the keen swords flew where charged the hosts in whirls,

And as in dreams rang loud the screams of ravished Hindu girls.

And through the strife, where sword and knife clashed loud on spear and shield,

With sword in hand, Yar Ali Khan rode o’er the battle-field.

From heel to head the chief was red, the blood was not his own.

In crimson tide his sword was dyed that had so brightly shone.