APPENDIX 303 



We see the wild fowl rising, and startled snipe that fly 



Past palm trees standing graceful against the crimson sky, 



By jheel and swamp and nullah where sweet mimosa blows. 

 With solemn sinking sunset on Himalayan snows. 



'Neath flickering frosty stars at last the camp we see, 



A fairy dream of white tents' gleam beneath the banyan tree. 



And now 'mid noise of camel and elephant is heard 



The voice of keen shikaries who wait the Master's word : 



We see the clean-bred horses — of all God's gifts the best — 

 And cheery smiling faces that long have gone to rest. 



By smoky scented camp-fires, the wandering jackal's cry 

 To dreamless, deep, untroubled sleep shall prove our lullaby. 



Hark to the jungle noises, harsh crake of partridge call, 

 The quiet swish of coolies who beat the grasses tall. 



And see the veteran scorning the youngster's prancing pride, 

 Until the cry, " Woh jata "— " Ride, like the Devil— ride "— 



Sets horse and rider throbbing ; for there, full in his stride. 

 With angry roar the old grey Boar bursts through the jungle 

 side. 



Through thorny babul jungle and dak trees flaming red, 

 O'er valley, hill, and hollow, and swampy river-bed, 



Through plunging frightened cattle and mellow yellow grass. 

 Where parah and the nilghai fly shrinking as we pass. 



By nullah gaping sudden, that yawns beneath our feet 



And heavy jhow with matted bough to hurl us from our seat. 



We make our dash for victory, loose rein and iron seat. 

 With joy at rivals' falling or curse at our defeat. 



Keen eyes shall mark the cover side and flick of rising dust 

 As racing flying forward to take the lead we thrust. 



Some may wait upon the jink and cunning pull the rein. 

 Yet who would deign the spear to gain if he had second lain ? 



Lightly touch the gallant horse and firmer grip the spear. 



Deeply plunge the lowered steel to stop the boar's career. 

 Right splendid in his charge with foam-flecked flashing tush 



As horse and man go headlong before his savage rush; 

 Fiercely, grimly fighting as he draws his dying breath. 



His foes around, with honour crowned, he mutely falls in 

 death. 



