ON DUTY AND DISCIPLINE

Here is another glittering illustration that throws a flood of light on the matchless sense of loyalty shown by but a lad of ten, who had not yet out-grown his school boy's shorts.

He is Jaques de Casabianca, the son of a proud French admiral, who fought against the British Navy, headed by Nelson. Verily, no other boy known to history has displayed such boldness and fearlessness than this urchin. He adorns the pages of history with his glorious name, standing for sacrifice and discipline. Indeed, no other episode exemplified the significance of duty than this. It is an example of examples of duty and discipline.

Casabianca accompanied his father as cabin boy on 'The Orient', the flag ship of the French Navy on that fatal day. He was a brave lad in whom there was a full development of regard for master and respect for authority. His sense of duty was something phenomenal.

When the curtain rises, we see Casabianca standing at the bidding of his admiral father on the upper deck of 'the Orient', which was almost in flames. Under the able guidance of Nelson, his ships rowed up the Orient and started storming unceasingly. In consequence, the Orient was hit badly and soon was in flames. Seeing the danger, every one in the ship slipped off seeking a safer shelter. Casabianca was left all alone on the burning deck. The flames rolled on and on and encircled him with the swiftness of wind. Being cast in the heroic mould, the boy screwing up his courage remained calm and steadfast at the post of his duty. He looked like one; born to rule the storms. Soon he saw the flames licking the door of the Powder magazine. He realised that his safety was eluding and the death knocking at the door, yet he did not develop cold feet.

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