Immediately an outburst of enthusiasm rose from the people, gathering in force until a great shout filled the air about the palace.
"Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi," they cried.
She leaned over the parapet and smiled.
Again the cry rose, "Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi."
She raised her hand to enjoin silence. Gradually the tumult ceased.
Then she spoke to them. Her resonant, clear, voice filled the open space. Each word fell musically upon the ears of her audience.
"My people," she began. "At last you have been freed from the rule of the Foreigner. To-day, a great blow has been delivered by you for our independence—a blow that will resound in the most distant provinces of our land. Through your loyalty and courage, the end for which we have so long striven has been attained. To you belongs the spoil, the treasure that has fallen into our hands. It is your reward."
A murmur of applause told that the point had been well received.
"But my people," she proceeded. "You are still encompassed by great peril. The Foreigner is destroyed, but others of his race may return to try and wrest from you, your country. Enemies, too, may rise from within as rapacious and as hateful of your religion. It is necessary that you choose without delay a fearless and capable ruler."
A few voices called on her by name, but she again silenced them.