17

Still, hampered with some scores of sick, Wounded and women scattered thick,

'Twas plain that there the force must stick

18

Till reinforcements should arrive;

And Dandy meanwhile must contrive
To keep himself and spouse alive.

19

Two months in garrison cooped up,
With empty dish and cheerless cup,
They seldom found whereon to sup;

20

And famished soldiers oft would flurry Their minds, by hinting how much worry 'Twould save-to cook of them a curry!

21

But though reduced to skin and bone,
They still retained their valiant tone,
Nor ever joined in croaker's groan.

22

In very nick of time at last

Clyde came to terminate their fast,

And o'er their gloom a light to cast!

23

Thus was Lucknow twice sought and saved ;

Thus Dandy and his wife both braved

The fight! and gallantly behaved!

24

Not e'en the Generals who led all,

Better deserved the Lucknow medal

Than these brave doggies:-Now I've said all

25

That's known for certain on the matter,
Till great guns came Lucknow to batter,
By which time Dandy had got fatter;

26

In fact, had grown to dog's estate,
With Flora for his fitting mate :-
His next adventures I'll relate.

CANTO THE SECOND.

DANDY'S MARRIED LIFE IN BENGAL.

27

FULL six months more of Oude campaign, Marching here, there, and back again, Failed to lay "Dandy" with the slain.

28

Though oft the bullets o'er him flew,
Their aim proved happily untrue,

Or he'd have ne'er been known to you.

29

Flora passed likewise free from harm

Through every danger and alarm,

Increasing daily in each charm.

30

At length, when war's rude deeds were done,

Laden with laurels fairly won,

Dandy and Flora longed for fun.

31

Removed to Ishapore's green glades,*
They roamed at large 'mid rural shades,

The pets of matrons, men, and maids;

32

Or, romping ever side by side,

They plunged in Hoogly's rapid tide,

And greedy crocodiles defied.

33

But chiefly 'twas their joint delight
To chase a duck, till, mad with fright,
It quacked, then dived quite out of sight.

34

Perplexed, they wildly gazed about,
Till ducky's head afar popped out,

Then recommenced the race and rout.

* A beautiful official residence near Calcutta, where Dandy's master filled an important appointment under Government.

35

Like two attendant satellites,

They shared with us each day's delights,
And guarded our repose by nights.

36

Oh! happiest days of doggish life!
To me with pleasant memories rife,
Remote from worldly care and strife.

37

Five tranquil years thus slid along,

Like the sweet cadence of a song,

When lo! once more the world's loud throng!

38

Farewell calm shades of Ishapore,

Which we have rambled o'er and o'er !

We ne'er, alas! may see you more!

39

Yet do you ever present seem

Our never-tiring fireside theme;

Most real once, though now a dream!