For so strongly and so stoutly all the gates were palisaded,
The supports could never enter if he did not clear a way:--
But Sammy Hodge, perceiving how the foe might be "persuaded,"
Had certain special talents which he hastened to display.
Whilst the bullets, then, were flying, and the bayonets were glancing
Whilst the whole affair in fury rather heightened than relaxed,
With axe in hand, and silently, our pioneer advancing
SMOTE THE GATE; AND BADE IT OPEN; AND IT DID--AS IT WAS AXED!
L'ENVOI.
Just a word of explanation, it may save us from a quarrel,
I have really no intention--'twould be shameful if I had,
Of preaching you a blatant, democratic kind of moral;
For the "swell, you know," the D'Arcy, fought as bravely as the
"cad!"
Yet I own that sometimes thinking how a courteous decoration
May be won by shabby service or disreputable dodge,
I regard with more than pleasure--with a sense of consolation--
The Victoria Cross "For Valour" on the breast of Sammy Hodge!
THE RELIEF OF LUCKNOW.
(October 25, 1857.)
BY R.T.S. LOWELL.
Oh! that last day in Lucknow fort!
We knew that it was the last:
That the enemy's mines had crept surely in,
And the end was coming fast.
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