From the sword-belt set free and released from the steel,
The Peace of the Lord is on Captain O'Neill
Up the hill to Simoorie most patient of drudges
The bags on his shoulder, the mail-runner trudges.
"For Captain O'Neil Sahib. One hundred and ten
"Rupees to collect on delivery."
Then
(Their breakfast was stopped while the screw-jack and hammer
Tore waxcloth, split teak-wood, and chipped out the dammer[1];)
Open-eyed, open-mouthed, on the napery's snow,
With a crash and a thud, rolled the Head of the Boh!
And gummed to the scalp was a letter which ran:
"In Fielding Force Service.
"Encampment,
"10th Jan.
"Dear Sir,—I have honour to send, as you said,
"For final approval (see under) Boh's Head;
"Was took by myself in most bloody affair.
" By High Education brought pressure to bear.
"Now violate Liberty, time being bad,
"To mail V. P. P. (rupees hundred) Please add
"Whatever Your Honour can pass. Price of Blood
- ↑ Native sealing-wax.
