Page:Gallant exploits of Lord Dundee.pdf/23

Rh themselves, therefore, a load upon the late King, whose finances could scarcely suffice for himself, they petitioned that Prince for leave to form themselves into a company of private centinels, asking no other favour than that they might be permitted to choose their own officers from their own number. James ascented. They repaired to St. Germaina, to be reviewed by him before they were modelled in the French army. A few days after they came, they posted themselves in accoutrements borrowed from French regiment, and drawn up in order is a place through which he was to pass as he went to the chase; amusement of which he became passionately fond after the loss of his kingdom. He asked who they were? and was surprised to find they were the same men with whom, in garbs better suited to their ranks he had the day before conversed at his levee. Struck with the levity of his own amusement, contrasted with the misery of those who were suffering for him, he returned pensive to the palace. The day he reviewed them, he passed along the ranks, wrote in his pocketbook with his own hand every gentleman's name, and gave him his thanks in particular; and then, removing to the front, bowed to the body, with his heat off. After he had gone away, still thinking honour enough was not done them, he returned, bowed again, but burst into tears. The body kneeled, beat their heads and eyes steadfast on the ground, and then starting up at once, passed him with the usual honours of war, as if it was only a common review they were exhibiting. They were sent from thence to the frontiers of Spain, a march of 900 miles, on foot. Wherever they passed, they were received with tears by the women, with respect by some of the men, but with laughter at the awkwardness of their situation by most of them. They were always the foremost in battle, and the last in retreat. Of all the troops in the service, they were the most obedient to orders. Twice only they disobeyed the first time was at the siege of Roses, where they had fallen into diseases, and been ordered to quit the camp for their recovery; but they delayed to obey, until they had sent a remonstrance to Marshal Noailles, against what they termed an affront. The second instance of their inatention to orders, was upon the following occasion: the Germans had made a lodgment in an island in the Rhine: the French, from an opinion that the river was impassable without boats, had ordered a number for the passage: among other troops intended for the service, this company was ordered to keep a station opposite to