CHAPTER XVI.
IN WHICH MASSEY PROPOSES A NIGHT ATTACK ON THE ENEMY.
The greatest consternation reigned within the city. Massey's defeatat Upton had been felt as a heavy blow, and the boldest amongst theCavaliers were much discouraged by it. The appearance of the enemy onthe southern heights increased the alarm of the citizens, and some ofthe most timorous began to think of flight. For the credit of the loyalcity, and its brave inhabitants, we are happy to record that these werevery few in number. A proclamation was made that all who desired todepart might do so, but none availed themselves of the permission. Theexcitement caused by the movement of the troops, and the cannonade fromFort Royal, soon roused the spirits of the citizens, and enabled themto shake off their depression. Charles showed no symptoms of misgiving;but on the contrary, seemed full of energy and resolution. He paid anearly visit to Massey, whose wounds had detained him at St. John's, butdid not reproach the unfortunate general. Massey, however, could notsufficiently deplore his error.
"I have committed a great fault," he said. "Your majesty may forgiveme; 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 mesufficient strength to meet the enemy."
"Make yourself easy, general," replied Charles, kindly. "You will soonbe able to serve me again."
"I trust so, sire," groaned Massey. "I shall die if I am kept herelong. Cromwell, I am told, has appeared on Red Hill."
"Lilburn's regiment is on the brow of the hill. Cromwell is atSpetchley," replied Charles.
"And I am here, and cannot face them," cried the wounded man, in a toneof anguish.
"Be patient," said Charles.
"I cannot be patient, sire, when I think what might be done. Were Iable to move, I would attack Cromwell in his head-quarters this verynight, and either slay him, or sell my life in the attempt. But Icannot 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, andspeaking with such earnestness that for the moment he forgot hiswounds; "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 fromthe task, but the bravest, the most determined, the most trustworthy ofyour 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 willneed fifteen hundred of the best horse and foot. Let him take with himSir William Keith and Colonel Legge. Both can be relied on. Let theword be 'Death to the Regicide!' But they must not return until theirwork 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 theenterprise is to succeed, it must be kept secret. Confide it only tothose you can trust, as the Duke of Hamilton, Colonel Drummond, and SirAlexander 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 hourafter midnight--when the rebels are lulled to repose. Then Middletonmust dash through Lilburn's camp, and cut his way through all otherobstacles to Spetchley."
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 area thousand to one against Middleton's return. But, that matters littleif he can accomplish his object. Should the enterprise succeed you willforgive me the loss of Upton Bridge."
"I have already forgiven you," replied Charles. "I will see Middletonforthwith."
And, bidding Massey a kindly farewell, he took his departure.
The king had intended to visit the camp just formed at Wick, but hisplans being now changed, he crossed the bridge, and sent on Carelesswith a message to Middleton, who was posted outside the city, oppositeFrog Gate, with his regiment, bidding the general attend him withoutdelay at the Commandery, and bring with him Sir William Keith andColonel Legge. We have already mentioned that the Duke of Hamilton wasquartered at the Commandery, and on the king's arrival at the ancienthospital, he found the duke in the refectory--a large and beautifullyproportioned hall, with an open roof of richly ornamented woodwork, aminstrel's gallery, and lofty windows, filled with exquisitely paintedglass. With the duke was Sir Alexander Forbes, the commander of FortRoyal, and the king remained in converse with them until Carelessappeared with General Middleton and the others.
The whole party then adjourned to an inner room, better adapted thanthe refectory, for secret discussion, and Careless was stationed at thedoor to prevent all chance of interruption.
The apartment looked on a small garden, and the day being extremelywarm, one of the windows was unluckily left open--unluckily, wesay, for a personage outside, apparently a gardener, contrived toplace himself so near it, that he overheard all that passed within.The conference did not last long. General Middleton, as Massey hadforeseen, at once undertook the daring enterprise, and both hiscompanions were eager to share the danger with him.
When all had been discussed and settled, General Middleton said to theking:
"Your majesty need not fear that the design will be betrayed. Not tillthe latest moment shall the men know on what enterprise they are to beemployed, and even then they shall not be aware of our precise aim.Before dawn your majesty shall hear that the blow has been struck, andif I cannot come myself, some one more fortunate will bring you theglad tidings."
With this, he took his departure with his companions.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 19