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