IN WHICH MASSEY PROPOSES A NIGHT ATTACK ON THE ENEMY.
The greatest consternation reigned within the city. Massey's defeat
at Upton had been felt as a heavy blow, and the boldest amongst the
Cavaliers were much discouraged by it. The appearance of the enemy on
the southern heights increased the alarm of the citizens, and some of
the most timorous began to think of flight. For the credit of the loyal
city, and its brave inhabitants, we are happy to record that these were
very few in number. A proclamation was made that all who desired to
depart might do so, but none availed themselves of the permission. The
excitement caused by the movement of the troops, and the cannonade from
Fort Royal, soon roused the spirits of the citizens, and enabled them
to shake off their depression. Charles showed no symptoms of misgiving;
but on the contrary, seemed full of energy and resolution. He paid an
early visit to Massey, whose wounds had detained him at St. John's, but
did not reproach the unfortunate general. Massey, however, could not
sufficiently deplore his error.
"I have committed a great fault," he said. "Your majesty may forgive
me; but I can never forgive myself. Here I am, stretched on this couch,
when I ought to be with my regiment! Oh! that Heaven would grant me
sufficient strength to meet the enemy."
"Make yourself easy, general," replied Charles, kindly. "You will soon
be able to serve me again."
"I trust so, sire," groaned Massey. "I shall die if I am kept here
long. Cromwell, I am told, has appeared on Red Hill."
"Lilburn's regiment is on the brow of the hill. Cromwell is at
Spetchley," replied Charles.
"And I am here, and cannot face them," cried the wounded man, in a tone
of anguish.
"Be patient," said Charles.
"I cannot be patient, sire, when I think what might be done. Were I
able to move, I would attack Cromwell in his head-quarters this very
night, and either slay him, or sell my life in the attempt. But I
cannot do it--I cannot do it," he added, sinking back with a groan.
"A night attack might be made upon Lilburn--or upon an outpost,"
observed Charles.
"That is not enough, sire," rejoined Massey, raising himself, and
speaking with such earnestness that for the moment he forgot his
wounds; "Cromwell himself must be reached. I would give twenty lives,
if I had them, to win you the crown."
"I feel your devotion," said Charles. "The attempt might be successful,
but it is so desperate that none but yourself would make it."
"Yes, sire, there are others--many others--who would not shrink from
the task, but the bravest, the most determined, the most trustworthy of
your generals, is Middleton. Let him take my place."
"Will he take it, think you?"
"Joyfully, sire. I will answer for him as I would for myself. He will
need fifteen hundred of the best horse and foot. Let him take with him
Sir William Keith and Colonel Legge. Both can be relied on. Let the
word be 'Death to the Regicide!' But they must not return until their
work is accomplished."
"I will summon a council forthwith, and lay the matter before them,"
said Charles.
"I pray you do not, sire," rejoined Massey, earnestly. "If the
enterprise is to succeed, it must be kept secret. Confide it only to
those you can trust, as the Duke of Hamilton, Colonel Drummond, and Sir
Alexander Forbes. Above all, let not Lesley hear of it. One word more,
sire, and I have done. The camisade must take place to-night--an hour
after midnight--when the rebels are lulled to repose. Then Middleton
must dash through Lilburn's camp, and cut his way through all other
obstacles to Spetchley."
[Illustration: ROOM IN THE COMMANDERY.]
"I am half inclined to lead the attack myself," said the king.
"It must not be, sire. You would throw away your life. The chances are
a thousand to one against Middleton's return. But, that matters little
if he can accomplish his object. Should the enterprise succeed you will
forgive me the loss of Upton Bridge."
"I have already forgiven you," replied Charles. "I will see Middleton
forthwith."
And, bidding Massey a kindly farewell, he took his departure.
The king had intended to visit the camp just formed at Wick, but his
plans being now changed, he crossed the bridge, and sent on Careless
with a message to Middleton, who was posted outside the city, opposite
Frog Gate, with his regiment, bidding the general attend him without
delay at the Commandery, and bring with him Sir William Keith and
Colonel Legge. We have already mentioned that the Duke of Hamilton was
quartered at the Commandery, and on the king's arrival at the ancient
hospital, he found the duke in the refectory--a large and beautifully
proportioned hall, with an open roof of richly ornamented woodwork, a
minstrel's gallery, and lofty windows, filled with exquisitely painted
glass. With the duke was Sir Alexander Forbes, the commander of Fort
Royal, and the king remained in converse with them until Careless
appeared with General Middleton and the others.
The whole party then adjourned to an inner room, better adapted than
the refectory, for secret discussion, and Careless was stationed at the
door to prevent all chance of interruption.
The apartment looked on a small garden, and the day being extremely
warm, one of the windows was unluckily left open--unluckily, we
say, for a personage outside, apparently a gardener, contrived to
place himself so near it, that he overheard all that passed within.
The conference did not last long. General Middleton, as Massey had
foreseen, at once undertook the daring enterprise, and both his
companions were eager to share the danger with him.
When all had been discussed and settled, General Middleton said to the
king:
"Your majesty need not fear that the design will be betrayed. Not till
the latest moment shall the men know on what enterprise they are to be
employed, and even then they shall not be aware of our precise aim.
Before dawn your majesty shall hear that the blow has been struck, and
if I cannot come myself, some one more fortunate will bring you the
glad tidings."
With this, he took his departure with his companions.