cessant volleys of musketry; but no Sikh offered to submit—no disciple of Govind asked for quarter. Everywhere they showed a bold front to the victors, whilst many rushed singly forth to meet assured death. Step by step they were forced back to the bridge of boats, which gave way under the pressure. The river had suddenly risen seven feet during the night, making the ford impassable. In the crowd many of their mounted officers, grey-bearded old chiefs, scorning to save themselves, were seen waving their swords on high, calling on their men to drive back the English, to vindicate their honour or die. Their heroic efforts to retrieve the day were of no avail; destruction awaited them on every side. The horse artillery coming up poured in a hot fire among them; terrible was the carnage, and thousands were drowned attempting to swim across. The Khalsa was disastrously routed; 67 cannon, 200 swivel guns, numerous standards, and vast munitions of war were the spoils of
