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A Legend of Montrose-Part36_WALTER SCOTT(1771-1832)_English Literature(文学名著)-第2页

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will at least die in the midst of my children."

Several other principal Chiefs of the Campbells, with one voice,



conjured and obtested their Chieftain to leave them for that day

to the leading of Ardenvohr and Auchenbreck, and to behold the



conflict from a distance and in safety.--We dare not stigmatize

Argyle with poltroonery; for, though his life was marked by no



action of bravery, yet he behaved with so much composure and

dignity in the final and closing scene, that his conduct upon the



present and similar occasions, should be rather imputed to

indecision than to want of courage. But when the small still



voice within a man's own breast, which tells him that his life is

of consequence to himself, is seconded by that of numbers around



him, who assure him that it is of equal advantage to the public,

history affords many examples of men more habituallydaring than



Argyle, who have consulted self-preservation when the temptations

to it were so powerfully increased.



"See him on board, if you will, Sir Duncan," said Auchenbreck to

his kinsman; "It must be my duty to prevent this spirit from



spreading farther among us."

So saying, he threw himself among the ranks, entreating,



commanding, and conjuring the soldiers, to remember their ancient

fame and their present superiority; the wrongs they had to



revenge, if successful, and the fate they had to dread, if

vanquished; and imparting to every bosom a portion of the fire



which glowed in his own. Slowly, meanwhile, and apparently with

reluctance, Argyle suffered himself to be forced by his officious



kinsmen to the verge of the lake, and was transported on board of

a galley, from the deck of which he surveyed with more safety



than credit the scene which ensued.

Sir Duncan Campbell of Ardenvohr, notwithstanding the urgency of



the occasion, stood with his eyes riveted on the boat which bore

his Chieftain from the field of battle. There were feelings in



his bosom which could not be expressed; for the character of a

Chief was that of a father, and the heart of a clansman durst not



dwell upon his failings with criticalseverity as upon those of

other men. Argyle, too, harsh and severe to others, was generous



and liberal among his kinsmen, and the noble heart of, Ardenvohr

was wrung with bitter anguish, when he reflected to what



interpretation his present conduct might subject him.

"It is better it should be so," said he to himself, devouring his



own emotion; "but--of his line of a hundred sires, I know not one

who would have retired while the banner of Diarmid waved in the



wind, in the face of its most inveterate foes!"

A loud shout now compelled him to turn, and to hasten with all



dispatch to his post, which was on the right flank of Argyle's

little army.



The retreat of Argyle had not passed unobserved by his watchful

enemy, who, occupying the superior ground, could mark every



circumstance which passed below. The movement of three or four

horsemen to the rear showed that those who retreated were men of



rank.

"They are going," said Dalgetty, "to put their horses out of



danger, like prudent cavaliers. Yonder goes Sir Duncan Campbell,

riding a brown bay gelding, which I had marked for my own second



charger."

You are wrong, Major," said Montrose, with a bitter smile, "they



are saving their precious Chief--Give the signal for assault

instantly--send the word through the ranks.--Gentlemen, noble



Chiefs, Glengarry, Keppoch, M'Vourigh, upon them instantly!--Ride

to M'Ilduy, Major Dalgetty, and tell him to charge as he loves



Lochaber--return and bring our handful of horse to my standard.

They shall be placed with the Irish as a reserve."



CHAPTER XIX.




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