{"id":2970,"date":"2013-07-13T01:45:00","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=2970"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:45:00","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:45:00","slug":"24-narrative-poems-published-in-1910-vol-02-collected-poems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/02-collected-poems\/24-narrative-poems-published-in-1910-vol-02-collected-poems","title":{"rendered":"-24_Narrative Poems Published in 1910.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nNarrative Poems <\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tPublished in 1910<\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nBaji Prabhou<\/font><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAuthor’s Note<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nThis poem is founded on the historical incident of the heroic self-sacrifice of Baji Prabhou Deshpande, who to
\ncover Shivaji’s retreat, held the pass of Rangana for two hours with a small
\ncompany of men against twelve thousand Moguls. Beyond the single fact of this great exploit there has been no attempt to preserve historical accuracy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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\n

\n

\n

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\n
\nBaji Prabhou<\/a><\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tA noon of Deccan with its tyrant glare<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOppressed the earth; the hills stood deep in haze,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd sweltering athirst the fields glared up<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLonging for water in the courses parched<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf streams long dead. Nature and man alike,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nImprisoned by a bronze and brilliant sky,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSought an escape from that wide trance of heat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor only on inanimate hills and trees,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNor on rare herdsman or the patient hind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTilling the earth or tending sleeplessly<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe well-eared grain that burden fell. It hung<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon the Mogul horsemen as they rode<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith lances at the charge, the surf of steel<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbout them and behind, as they recoiled<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr circled, where the footmen ran and fired,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd fired again and ran; “For now at last,”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThey deemed, “the war is over, now at last<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe panther of the hills is beaten back<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRight to his lair, the rebel crew to death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs hunted, and an end is made at last.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTherefore they stayed not for the choking dust,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe slaying heat, the thirst of wounds and fight,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe stumbling stark fatigue, but onward pressed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith glowing eyes. Far otherwise the foe,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tPanting and sore oppressed and racked with thirst<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd blinded with the blazing earth who reeled<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBackward to Raigurh, moistening with their blood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir mother, and felt their own beloved hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tA nightmare hell of death and heat, the sky<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA mute and smiling witness of their dire<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnguish, 
\n\t\t\t\u2014  abandoned now of God and man,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho for their country and their race had striven,  \u2014
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn vain, it seemed. At morning when the sun<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\n

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\nWas yet below the verge, the Bhonsle sprang<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAt a high mountain fortress, hoping so<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo clutch the whole wide land into his grasp;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut from the North and East the Moguls poured,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwords numberless and hooves that shook the hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd barking of a hundred guns. These bore<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hero backward. Silently with set<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd quiet faces grim drew fighting back<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe strong Mahrattas to their hills; only<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTheir rear sometimes with shouted slogan leaped<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt the pursuer’s throat, or on some rise<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr covered vantage stayed the Mogul flood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA moment. Ever foremost where men fought,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWas Baji Prabhou seen, like a wild wave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf onset or a cliff against the surge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAt last they reached a tiger-throated gorge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon the way to Raigurh. Narrowing there<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe hills draw close, and their forbidding cliffs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThreaten the prone incline. The Bhonsle paused,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHis fiery glance travelled in one swift gyre<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHill, gorge and valley and with speed returned<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMightily like an eagle on the wing<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo a dark youth beside him, Malsure<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe younger, with his bright and burning eyes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho wordless rode quivering, as on the leash;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHis fierce heart hungered for the rear, where Death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas singing mid the laughter of the swords.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t“Ride, Suryaji,” the Chieftain cried, his look<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInward, intent, “and swiftly from the rear<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSummon the Prabhou.” Turning at the word<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSuryaji’s hooves sped down the rock-strewn slope<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInto the trenchant valley’s depth. Swiftly,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough burdened with a nation’s fate, the ridge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThey reached, where in stern silence fought and fell,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir iron hearts broken with desperate toil,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Southron rear, and to the Prabhou gave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe summons of the Chief: “Ride, Baji, ride,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
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\n

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\nThe Bhonsle names thee, Baji.” And Baji spoke<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNo word, but stormed with loose and streaming rein<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo the high frowning gorge and silent paused<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBefore the leader. “Baji, more than once<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn battle thou hast stood, a living shield,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBetween me and the foe. But more today,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Baji, save than any single life,  \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThy nation’s destiny. Thou seest this gorge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNarrow and fell and gleaming like the throat<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf some huge tiger, with its rocky fangs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgrin for food: and though the lower slope<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDescends too gently, yet with roots and stones<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is hampered, and the higher prone descent<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tImpregnably forbids assault; too steep<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sides for any to ascend and shoot<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFrom vantage. Here might lion-hearted men,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough few, delay a host. Baji, I speed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo Raigurh and in two brief hours return.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSay with what force thy iron heart can hold<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe passage till I come. Thou seest our strength,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow it has melted like the Afghan’s ice<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInto a pool of blood.” And while he paused<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho had been chosen, spoke an iron man<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith iron brows who rode behind the Chief,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTanaji Malsure, that living sword:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t“Not for this little purpose was there need<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo call the Prabhou from his toil. Enough,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tGive me five hundred men; I hold the pass<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTill thy return.” But Shivaji kept still<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHis great and tranquil look upon the face<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Baji Prabhou. Then, all black with wrath,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWrinkling his fierce hard eyes, the Malsure:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n“What ponders then the hero? Such a man<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf men, he needs not like us petty swords<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA force behind him, but alone will hold<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAll Rajasthan and Agra and Cabool<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom rise to set.” And Baji answered him:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
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\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n“Tanaji Malsure, not in this living net<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf flesh and nerve, nor in the flickering mind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs a man’s manhood seated. God within<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRules us, who in the Brahmin and the dog<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan, if He will, show equal godhead. Not<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBy men is mightiness achieved; Baji<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr Malsure is but a name, a robe,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd covers One alone. We but employ<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBhavani’s strength, who in an arm of flesh<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIs mighty as in the thunder and the storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI ask for fifty swords.” And Malsure:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t“Well, Baji, I will build thee such a pyre<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs man had never yet, when we return;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFor all the Deccan brightening shall cry out,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBaji the Prabhou burns!” And with a smile<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Prabhou answered: “Me thou shalt not burn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor this five feet or more of bone and flesh,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWhether pure flame or jackals of the hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe fattened with its rags, may well concern<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOthers, not Baji Prabhou.” And the Chief<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith a high calmness in his shining look,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t“We part, O friend, but meet again we must,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen from our tasks released we both shall run<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLike children to our Mother’s clasp.” He took<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom his wide brow the princely turban sown<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith aigrette diamond-crowned and on the head<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Baji set the gleaming sign, then clasped<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHis friend and, followed by the streaming host<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat gathered from the rear, to farther hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRode clattering. By the Mogul van approached<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBaji and his Mahrattas sole remained<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWatched by the mountains in the silent gorge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSmall respite had the slender band who held<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFate constant with that brittle hoop of steel;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor like the crest of an arriving wave<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Moslem van appeared, though slow and tired,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\nYet resolute to break such barrier faint,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd forced themselves to run: 
\n\t\t\t\u2014  nor long availed;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor with a single cry the muskets spoke,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOnce and again and always, as they neared,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd, like a wave arrested, for a while<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe assailants paused and like a wave collapsed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSpent backward in a cloud of broken spray,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRetreating. Yielding up, the dangerous gorge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSaw only on the gnarled and stumbling rise<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe dead and wounded heaped. But from the rear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe main tremendous onset of the North<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCame in a dark and undulating surge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRegardless of the check,  \u2014  a mingled mass,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tPathan and Mogul and the Rajput clans,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll clamorous with the brazen throats of war<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd spitting smoke and fire. The bullets rang<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon the rocks, but in their place unhurt,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSheltered by tree and rock, the silent grim<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDefenders waited, till on root and stone<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe confident high-voiced triumphant surge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBegan to break, to stumble, then to pause,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tConfusion in its narrowed front. At once<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe muskets clamoured out, the bullets sped,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDeadly though few; again and yet again,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd some of the impetuous faltered back<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd some in wrath pressed on; and while they swayed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPoised between flight and onset, blast on blast<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe volleyed death invisible hailed in<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon uncertain ranks. The leaders fell,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe forward by the bullets chosen out,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nProne or supine or leaning like sick men<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tO’er trees and rocks, distressed the whole advance<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith prohibition by the silent slain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo the great onset failed. And now withdrawn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe generals consulted, and at last<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn slow and ordered ranks the foot came on,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAn iron resolution in their tread,<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nHushed and deliberate. Far in the van,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTall and large-limbed, a formidable array,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Pathan infantry; a chosen force,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLower in crest, strong-framed, the Rajputs marched;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe chivalry of Agra led the rear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThen Baji first broke silence, “Lo, the surge!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat was but spray of death we first repelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tChosen of Shivaji, Bhavani’s swords,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor you the gods prepare. We die indeed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut let us die with the high-voiced assent<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Heaven to our country’s claim enforced<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo freedom.” As he spoke, the Mogul lines<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEntered the menacing wide-throated gorge,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCarefully walking, but not long that care<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEndured, for where they entered, there they fell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOthers behind in silence stern advanced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey came, they died; still on the previous dead<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNew dead fell thickening. Yet by paces slow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe lines advanced with labour infinite<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd merciless expense of valiant men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor even as the slopes were filled and held,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStill the velocity and lethal range<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIncreased of the Mahratta bullets; dead<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRather than living held the conquered slope,  \u2014
\n\t\t\t<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThe living who, half-broken, paused. Abridged,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tYet wide, the interval opposed advance,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDaunting those resolute natures; eyes once bold<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith gloomy hesitation reckoned up<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe dread equivalent in human lives<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf cubits and of yards, and hardly hoped<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOne could survive the endless unacquired<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCountry between. But from the Southron wall<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe muskets did not hesitate, but urged<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRefusal stern; the bullets did not pause,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor calculate expense. Active they thronged<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHumming like bees and stung strong lives to death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMaking a holiday of carnage. Then<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nThe heads that planned pushed swiftly to the front<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe centre yet unhurt, where Rajasthan,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPlaymate of death, had sent her hero sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThey with a rapid royal reckless pace<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCame striding over the perilous fire-swept ground,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNor answered uselessly the bullets thick<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor paused to judge, but o’er the increasing dead<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLeaping and striding, shouting, sword in hand,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRushed onward with immortal courage high<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn mortal forms, and held the lower slope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut now the higher incline, short but steep,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBaffled their speed, and as they clambered up,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCompact and fiery, like the rapid breath<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf Agra’s hot simoom, the sheeted flame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBelched bullets. Down they fell with huge collapse,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd, rolling, with their shock drove back the few<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho still attempted. Banned advance, retreat<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThreatening disgrace and slaughter, for a while<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike a bound sacrifice the Rajputs stood<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDiminishing each moment. Then a lord<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh-crested of the Rathore clan stood out<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFrom the perplexed assailants, with his sword<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeckoning the thousands on against the few.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd him the bullets could not touch; he stood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDefended for a moment by his lease<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNot yet exhausted. And a mighty shout<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRose from behind, and in a violent flood<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Rajputs flung themselves on the incline<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike clambering lions. Many hands received<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe dead as they descended, flinging back<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThose mournful obstacles, and with a rush<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe lead surmounted and on level ground<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStood sword in hand; yet only for a while,  \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFor grim and straight the slogan of the South<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeaped with the fifty swords to thrust them back,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBaji the Prabhou leading. Thrice they came,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThree times prevailed, three times the Southron charge<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nRepelled them; till at last the Rathore lord,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAs one appointed, led the advancing death,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor waited to assure his desperate hold,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut hurled himself on Baji; those behind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBore forward those in front. From right and left<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMahratta muskets rang their music out<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd withered the attack that, still dissolved,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStill formed again from the insistent rear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd would not end. So was the fatal gorge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFilled with the clamour of the close-locked fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSword rang on sword, the slogan shout, the cry<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf guns, the hiss of bullets filled the air,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd murderous strife heaped up the scanty space,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRajput and strong Mahratta breathing hard<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn desperate battle. But far off the hosts<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf Agra stood arrested, confident,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWaiting the end. Far otherwise it came<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThan they expected. For, as in the front<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Rathore stood on the disputed verge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd ever threw fresh strength into the scale<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith that inspiring gesture, Baji came<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTowards him singling out the lofty crest,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe princely form: and, as the waves divide<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBefore a driving keel, the battle so<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore him parted, till he neared, he slew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAvoiding sword, avoiding lifted arm<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe blade surprised the Rajput’s throat, and down<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAs falls an upright poplar, with his hands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOutspread, dying, he clutched Mahratta ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLoud rose the slogan as he fell. Amazed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe eager hosts of Agra saw reel back<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Rajput battle, desperate victory<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTurned suddenly into entire defeat,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNot headlong, but with strong discouragement,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSullen, convinced, rejecting the emprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAs they retired, the brilliant Pathan van<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAssumed the attempt. “Exhaust,” the generals cried,<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

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\n“Exhaust the stubborn mountaineers; for now<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFatigued with difficult effort and success<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey hardly stand, weary, unstrung, inert.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tScatter this fringe, and we march on and seize<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRaigurh and Shivaji.” Meanwhile, they too<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNot idle, covered by the rocks and trees,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStraining for vantage, pausing on each ledge,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSeizing each bush, each jutting promontory,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome iron muscles, climbing, of the south<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLurked on the gorge’s gloomy walls unseen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn came the Pathans running rapidly,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut as the nearmost left the rocky curve<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere lurked the ambush, loud from stone and tree<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe silence spoke; sideways, in front, behind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeath clamoured, and tall figures strewed the ground<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLike trees in a cyclone. Appalled the rest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBroke this way and broke that, and some cried, “On!”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSome shouted, “Back!” for those who led, fell fast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo the advance dissolved, divided,  \u2014  the more<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn haste towards the plains, greeted with death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEven while they ran; but others forward, full<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf panic courage, drove towards the foe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey could not reach,  \u2014  so hot a blast and fell<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStayed their unsteady valour, their retreat<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo swift and obstinate a question galled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFew through the hail survived. With gloom their chiefs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeheld the rout and drawing back their hosts<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn dubious council met, whether to leave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat gorge of slaughter unredeemed or yet<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDemand the price of so immense a loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBut to the Prabhou came with anxious eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Captain of the band. “Baji,” he cried,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n“The bullets fail; all the great store we had<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf shot and powder by unsparing use<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs spent, is ended.” And Baji Prabhou turned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOne look he cast upon the fallen men<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\nPage \u2013 303<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\nDiscernible by their attire, and saw<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHis ranks not greatly thinned, one look below<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon the hundreds strewing thick the gorge,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd grimly smiled; then where the sun in fire<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDescending stooped, towards the vesper verge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe gazed and cried: “Make iron of your souls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet if Bhavani wills, strength and the sword<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCan stay our nation’s future from o’erthrow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTill victory with Shivaji return.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd so they waited without word or sound,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd over them the silent afternoon<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWaited; the hush terrestrial was profound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExcept the mountains and the fallen men<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNo sight, no voice, no movement was abroad,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly a few black-winged slow-circling birds<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThat wandered in the sky, only the wind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat now arose and almost noiselessly<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tQuestioned the silence of the wooded sides,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly the occasional groan that marked the pang<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBy some departing spirit on its frame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInflicted. And from time to time the gaze<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf Baji sought the ever-sinking sun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMen fixed their eyes on him and in his firm<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tExpression lived. So the slow minutes passed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut when the sun dipped very low, a stir<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWas felt far off, and all men grasped the hilt<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTighter and put a strain upon their hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tResolved at last the stream of Mogul war<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCame once more pouring, not the broken rout<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf Pathans, not discouraged Rajput swords,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut Agra’s chivalry glancing with gold<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd scimitars inlaid and coloured robes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwiftly they came expecting the assault<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFire-winged of bullets and the lethal rain,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut silence met them and to their intent<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo ominous it seemed, awhile they paused,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFearing some ruse, though for much death prepared,<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

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\nYet careful of prevention. Reassured,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOnward with a high shout they charged the slope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo bullet sped, no musket spoke; unhurt<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThey crossed the open space, unhurt they climbed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe rise; but even as their hands surprised<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe shrubs that fringed the vantage, swords unseen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHacked at their fingers, through the bushes thrust<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLances from warriors unexposed bore through<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir bosoms. From behind the nearest lines<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tPressed on to share their fate, and still the sea<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf men bore onward till with violent strain<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThey reached the perilous crest; there for a while<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA slaughter grim went on and all the verge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWas heaped and walled and thickly fortified<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith splendid bodies. But as they were piled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe raging hosts behind tore down their dead<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd mounted, till at last the force prevailed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf obstinate numbers and upon a crest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwarming with foemen fought ‘gainst desperate odds<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Southron few. Small was the space for fight,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd meeting strength with skill and force with soul<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe strong and agile keepers of the hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrevailed against the city-dwelling hosts,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith covert and the swiftly stabbing blades<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO’erpowering all the feints of Agra’s schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo fought they for a while; then suddenly<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon the Prabhou all the Goddess came.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLoud like a lion hungry on the hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe shouted, and his stature seemed to increase<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStriding upon the foe. Rapid his sword<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike lightning playing with a cloud made void<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe crest before him, on his either side<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe swordsmen of the South with swift assault<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tPreventing the reply, till like a bank<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf some wild river the assault collapsed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOver the stumbling edge and down the rise,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd once again the desperate moment passed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n
\nPage \u2013 305<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\nThe relics of the murderous strife remained,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCorpses and jewels, broidery and gold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut not for this would they accept defeat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOnce more they came and almost held. Then wrath<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRose in the Prabhou and he raised himself<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn soul to make an end; but even then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA stillness fell upon his mood and all<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThat godlike impulse faded from his heart,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd passing out of him a mighty form<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStood visible, Titanic, scarlet-clad,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDark as a thunder-cloud, with streaming hair<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tObscuring heaven, and in her sovran grasp<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sword, the flower, the boon, the bleeding head,  \u2014
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBhavani. Then she vanished; the daylight<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas ordinary in a common world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd Baji knew the goddess formidable<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho watches over India till the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tEven then a sword found out his shoulder, sharp<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA Mogul lance ran grinding through his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFiercely around him gathered in a knot<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe mountaineers; but Baji, with a groan,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t“Moro Deshpande, to the other side<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHasten of the black gorge and bring me word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRides any from the West, or canst thou hear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Raigurh trumpets blow? I know my hour<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIs ended; let me know my work is done.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe spoke and shouted high the slogan loud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDesperate, he laboured in his human strength<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo push the Mogul from the gorge’s end<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith slow compulsion. By his side fell fast<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMahratta and Mogul and on his limbs<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe swords drank blood, a single redness grew<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis body, yet he fought. Then at his side<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tGhastly with wounds and in his fiery eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeath and rejoicing a dire figure stood,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMoro Deshpande. “Baji, I have seen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Raigurh lances; Baji, I have heard<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

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\nThe trumpets.” Conquering with his cry the din<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe spoke, then dead upon a Mogul corpse<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFell prone. And Baji with a gruesome hand<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWiping the blood from his fierce staring eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSaw round him only fifteen men erect<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf all his fifty. But in front, behind,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn either side the Mogul held the gorge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tGroaning, once more the grim Mahratta turned<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd like a bull with lowered horns that runs,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCharged the exultant foe behind. With him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe desperate survivors hacking ran,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd as a knife cuts instantly its way<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThrough water, so the yielding Mogul wall<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWas cleft and closed behind. Eight men alone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStood in the gorge’s narrow end, not one<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tUnwounded. There where hardly three abreast<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave room to stand, they faced again the foe;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd from this latest hold Baji beheld<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMounting the farther incline, rank on rank,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tA mass of horsemen; galloped far in front<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome forty horse, and on a turbaned head<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBright in the glory of the sinking sun<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA jewelled aigrette blazed. And Baji looked<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOver the wide and yawning field of space<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd seemed to see a fort upon a ridge,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRaigurh; then turned and sought again the war.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo for few minutes desperately they strove.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMan after man of the Mahrattas fell<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTill only three were left. Then suddenly<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBaji stood still and sank upon the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nQuenched was the fiery gaze, nerveless the arm:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBaji lay dead in the unconquered gorge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut ere he fell, upon the rocks behind<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe horse-hooves rang and, as the latest left<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf the half hundred died, the bullets thronged<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThrough the too narrow mouth and hurled those down<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho entered. Clamorous, exultant blared<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 307<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\nThe Southron trumpets, but with stricken hearts<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe swords of Agra back recoiled; fatal<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon their serried unprotected mass<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn hundreds from the verge the bullets rained,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd in a quick disordered stream, appalled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe Mogul rout began. Sure-footed, swift<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hostile strength pursued, Suryaji first<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShouting aloud and singing to the hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA song of Ramdas as he smote and slew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut Shivaji by Baji’s empty frame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStood silent and his gaze was motionless<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tUpon the dead. Tanaji Malsure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStood by him and observed the breathless corpse,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThen slowly said, “Thirty and three the gates<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy which thou enterest heaven, thou fortunate soul,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThou valiant heart. So when my hour arrives,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMay I too clasp my death, saving the land<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr winning some great fortress for my lord.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut Shivaji beside the dead beheld<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tA dim and mighty cloud that held a sword<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd in its other hand, where once the head<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDepended bleeding, raised the turban bright<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom Baji’s brows, still glittering with its gems,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd placed it on the chief’s. But as it rose<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBlood-stained with the heroic sacrifice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRound the aigrette he saw a golden crown.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 308<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/td>\n

<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Narrative Poems Published in 1910     Baji Prabhou   Author’s Note   This poem is founded on the historical incident of the heroic…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-02-collected-poems","wpcat-57-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2970"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2970\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}