ON DUTY AND DISCIPLINE

When the flames touched his clothes and kissed his tender body, he raised his voice and called aloud, "Say Father, say, If my task be done": Poor urchin did not know that his father was lying dead, hit by a fatal shot long back. Though the booming shots deafened him and the rolling flames scarred his brow and body, he remained stationed to his post, unmoved and undaunted. When the mast and sail, flag and shroud were all shattered, and himself caught between life and death he again called loudly, but mildly seeking permission to leave his post. No voice replied. Nothing returned his call. When the crisis deepened his finest mettle came out - he remained steadfast . He was totally engulfed by the flames. Soon the ship flew into million fragments by the thundering explosions of Nelson's cannons. Everything went black and the sea was strewn with the pieces of the Orient.

And then, there reigned a frightening silence for a while over the sea, as a mark of grief, as it were, to the heroic death of Casabianca. The little ten summer old urchin died like a hero faithful unto death. Thus, his keen sense of loyalty and spirit of discipline have become monumental. He surpassed even the Light Brigade, in this regard.

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