85. Having so long hoped as it were against hope for the expected relief to come, and seeing no signs of a mitigation of our sufferings, many of us began to give up in utter despair, little dreaming that succour was so nigh, for, on the morning of the 23rd September, the sound of artillery in the direction of Cawnpore[1] was distinctly heard, thus verifying the proverb "The darkest hour of night is just before the dawn."
"No news from the outer world,
Hark ! surely now draws near
Sharp rattling sounds of musketry,
A ringing British cheer.
Yes, news from the outer world,
Pressing the rebels hard
See Scotia's kilted Highlanders
Outside the Baillie Guard.
And e'er we cease to wonder,
They swarm our barricade,
O'er bastion and o'er embrasure,
They make a sudden raid.
A moment's pause of wonder,
A moment's pause — and then
Bursts forth the about of victory,
To greet our countrymen.
Then from each post and pillar,
From every intrenched spot,
Peals cheer on cheer of ecstasy.
Aye from the sick man's cot !
A mighty peace sets on us,
The glorious work is done,
Whilst hand clasps hand in sympathy,
God bless us every one.
And forth to the outer world,
Our flag though rent and torn
Waves high in haughty majesty
Bidding our foemen scorn.
And forth to the outer world,
Our flag will aye proclaim,
Our duty, patience, chivalry,
Our honor, and our fame." Joseph B. S. Boyle.
As the fire kept approaching, the commotion in the city became intense, while, within the garrison, all was exultation to know that, through God's mercy, deliverance was at hand, as foretold by the Scotch Lassie in her
- ↑ Cawnpore spelt as it usually is signifies nothing, but spelt in the way in which it is written by the Hindus, Kanhpur, the meaning becomes apparent. Kanh is a name for Krishna; Pur stand for city, The entire word signifies "City of Krishna."
