In the Round Tower at Jhansi, June 8, 1857

Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)

A hundred, a thousand to one; even so;Not a hope in the world remained:The swarming howling wretches belowGained and gained and gained.

Skene looked at his pale young wife:—"Is the time come?"—"The time is come!"—Young, strong, and so full of life:The agony struck them dumb.

Close his arm about her now,Close her cheek to his,Close the pistol to her brow—God forgive them this!

"Will it hurt much?"—"No, mine own:I wish I could bear the pang for both.""I wish I could bear the pang alone:Courage, dear, I am not loth."

Kiss and kiss: "It is not painThus to kiss and die.One kiss more."—"And yet one again."—"Good bye."—"Good bye."