Prince hastened to cut off the Pathan's head, when with the terrible cry of Allalla ho, countless Pathans began to stream into the chamber. He now perceived that further fighting could only end in his certain destruction.
His body was dripping with blood, and he was being fast enfeebled by loss of blood.
Tilottama was still lying senseless in the lap of Bimala, who was weeping. Her clothes were drenched with the Prince's blood.
The chamber was now full of Pathans.
Supporting himself on his sword, the Prince took breath for a moment.
"Slave" exclaimed a soldier, "surrender yourself. We will not take your life."
This added fresh fuel to the expiring fire; the prince leapt forward like a flame and cutting off the man's head, placed it beneath his feet. Then flourishing his weapon in the air, he called out,
"Ye Javanas[1]! see how a Rajpoot dies."
His sword played like lightning. Perceiving that regular fighting was no longer possible, he determined to die after slaying as many of the enemy as possible. With this view, he dived into the thick of the hostile force, and with both hands holding his sword with an iron grasp, began to deal incessant blows, without in the least heeding his own safety. One—two—three,—every blow either prostrated or mutilated a Pathan. Blows now began to pour in upon him like hail. His arms grew fainter and fainter from bleeding; his head became dizzy; his eyes grew dim; his ears could hear only an indistinct noise.
- ↑ A term of contempt to distinguish foreigners,—who were considered as impure.
