LACHMI BAI
as rapacious and as hateful of your religion. It is necessary that you choose without delay a fearless and capable ruler."
A few voices called on her by name, but she again silenced them.
"As you well know," she continued, "by our law, to me belongs the right of succession to the throne of Jhansi."
"Aye, truly," many cried. " Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi."
"But, my good people, as the noble Raja, Ahmad Khan, hath pointed out, I am but a girl, uninstructed in the wiles of statecraft, unused to the wielding of a sword in dangerous times. A Raja, he declares, must be seated on the throne of Jhansi. Why not then the illustrious Ahmad Khan"?
Spontaneously the cry rose, "For us no stranger, no Mohammedan! We want him not to rule over us. Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi."
"But, good people," she persisted, as if earnestly pleading Ahmad's cause. "Ahmad Khan is a brave soldier. He is"
Her voice was drowned in an uproar that shook the walls of the palace. Her name alone was borne upward by thousands of unyielding throats.
"Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi."
She stretched out her arms lovingly toward them. She appealed to them with a captivating smile.
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