But were those heroes living
And strong for battle still, Would Mehrad Khan or Rustum
Have climbed, like these, the hill? '
And they replied, 'Though Mehrab Khan was brave,
As chief, he chose himself what risks to run; Prince Rustum lied, his forfeit life to save, Which these had never done.'
'Enough! ' he shouted fiercely;
Doomed though they be to hell, Bind fast the crimson trophy
Round BOTH wrists bind it well. Who knows but that great Allah
May gnidge such matchless men, With none so decked in heaven,
To the fiends' flaming den? '
Then all those gallant robbers
Shouted a stern 'Amen ! ' They raised the slaughtered sergeant,
They raised his mangled ten. And when we found their bodies
Left bleaching in the wind, Around BOTH wrists in glory
That crimson thread was twined.
Then Napier's knightly heart, touched to the core,
Rung, like an echo, to that knightly deed, He bade its memory live for evermore, That those who run may read.
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