To fight them in the pass
was useless. In that narrow way the weight of the Highland onset would
be lost. The claymores would not have room for their work, and half the
column would escape. They must fight on open ground and on fair terms,
as Montrose would have fought.[97]
There was no more opposition. The word for battle went through the
clans, and was hailed with universal delight. Then Lochiel spoke again.
He had always, he said, promised implicit obedience to Dundee, and he
had kept his promise; but for once he should command. "It is the voice
of your Council," he went on, "and their orders are that you do not
engage personally. Your Lordship's business is to have an eye on all
parts, and to issue out your commands as you shall think proper. It is
ours to execute them with promptitude and courage. On you depends the
fate not only of this little brave army, but also of our King and
country." He finished by threatening that neither he nor any of his clan
should draw sword that day unless his request were granted. Dundee
answered that he knew his life to be at that moment of some importance,
but he could not on that day of all days refuse to hazard it. The
Highlanders would never again obey in council a general whom they
thought afraid to lead them in war. Hereafter he would do as Lochiel
advised, but he must charge at the head of his men in their first
battle.
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