BATTLE OF THE AL.MA. 257 ranged in line. The ancient glory of the corps ciiAP. was a treasure now committed to the charge of ' young soldiers new to battle ; but Campbell knew them — was sure of their excellence — and was sure, too of Colonel Cameron, their command- ing officer. Very eager — for the Guards were now engaged with the enemy's columns — very eager, yet silent and majestic, the battalion stood ready. Before the action had begun, and whilst his sircoiin Campbell men were still in column, Campbell had spoken and the ^ -^ Highland to his brigade a few words — words simple, and, Brigade, for the most pait, workmanlike, yet touched with the fire of warlike sentiment, 'Now men, you ' are going into action. Ecmember this : wlio- ' ever is wounded — I don't care what his rank ' is — whoever is wounded must lie where he ' falls till the bandsmen come to attend to him. ' 'No soldiers must go carrying off wounded men. ' If any soldier does such a thing, his name shall ' be stuck up in his parish church. Don't be in
- a hurry about firing. Your officers will tell you
- when it is time to open fire. Be steady. Keep
' silence. Fire low. Now, men ' — those who know the old soldier can tell how his voice would falter the while his features were kindling — * Now, men, the army will watch us ; make ' me proud of the Highland Brigade ! ' *
- Of course, the memory of those who unexpectedly found
themselves hearing Sir Colin's address to his brigade, can supply but an imperfect record of the words which were uttered ; and perhaps, if the impressions of any gi'eat number of the hearers were compared, few or none would be found to be closely simi- lar. I think, however, that the address given in the text is not VOL. IIL U
