This retreat was a virtual resignation of their towering hopes. None had been so sanguine9 as Fergus MacIvor; none, consequently, was so cruelly mortified10 at the change of measures. He argued, or rather remonstrated11, with the utmost vehemence12 at the council of war; and, when his opinion was rejected, shed tears of grief and indignation. From that moment his whole manner was so much altered that he could scarcely have been recognised for the same soaring and ardent13 spirit, for whom the whole earth seemed too narrow but a week before. The retreat had continued for several days, when Edward, to his surprise, early on the 12th of December, received a visit from the Chieftain in his quarters, in a hamlet about half- way between Shap and Penrith.
Having had no intercourse14 with the Chieftain since their rupture15, Edward waited with some anxiety an explanation of this unexpected visit; nor could he help being surprised, and somewhat shocked, with the change in his appearance. His eye had lost much of its fire; his cheek was hollow, his voice was languid, even his gait seemed less firm and elastic16 than it was wont17; and his dress, to which he used to be particularly attentive18, was now carelessly flung about him. He invited Edward to walk out with him by the little river in the vicinity; and smiled in a melancholy19 manner when he observed him take down and buckle20 on his sword.
As soon as they were in a wild sequestered21 path by the side of the stream, the Chief broke out — ‘Our fine adventure is now totally ruined, Waverley, and I wish to know what you intend to do; — nay22, never stare at me, man. I tell you I received a packet from my sister yesterday, and, had I got the information it contains sooner, it would have prevented a quarrel which I am always vexed23 when I think of. In a letter written after our dispute, I acquainted her with the cause of it; and she now replies to me that she never had, nor could have, any purpose of giving you encouragement; so that it seems I have acted like a madman. Poor Flora24! she writes in high spirits; what a change will the news of this unhappy retreat make in her state of mind!’
Waverley, who was really much affected25 by the deep tone of melancholy with which Fergus spoke26, affectionately entreated27 him to banish28 from his remembrance any unkindness which had arisen between them, and they once more shook hands, but now with sincere cordiality. Fergus again inquired of Waverley what he intended to do. ‘Had you not better leave this luckless army, and get down before us into Scotland, and embark29 for the Continent from some of the eastern ports that are still in our possession? When you are out of the kingdom, your friends will easily negotiate your pardon; and, to tell you the truth, I wish you would carry Rose Bradwardine with you as your wife, and take Flora also under your joint30 protection.’ — Edward looked surprised. — ‘She loves you, and I believe you love her, though, perhaps, you have not found it out, for you are not celebrated31 for knowing your own mind very pointedly32.’ He said this with a sort of smile.
‘How,’ answered Edward, ‘can you advise me to desert the expedition in which we are all embarked33?’
‘Embarked?’ said Fergus; ‘the vessel34 is going to pieces, and it is full time for all who can to get into the long-boat and leave her.’
‘Why, what will other gentlemen do?’ answered Waverley, ‘and why did the Highland1 Chiefs consent to this retreat if it is so ruinous?’
‘O,’ replied Mac-Ivor, ‘they think that, as on former occasions, the heading, hanging, and forfeiting35 will chiefly fall to the lot of the Lowland gentry36; that they will be left secure in their poverty and their fastnesses, there, according to their proverb, “to listen to the wind upon the hill till the waters abate37.” But they will be disappointed; they have been too often troublesome to be so repeatedly passed over, and this time John Bull has been too heartily38 frightened to recover his good-humour for some time. The Hanoverian ministers always deserved to be hanged for rascals39; but now, if they get the power in their hands, — as, sooner or later, they must, since there is neither rising in England nor assistance from France, — they will deserve the gallows40 as fools if they leave a single clan41 in the Highlands in a situation to be again troublesome to government. Ay, they will make root-and-branch-work, I warrant them.’
‘And while you recommend flight to me,’ said Edward, — ‘a counsel which I would rather die than embrace, — what are your own views?’
‘O,’ answered Fergus, with a melancholy air, ‘my fate is settled. Dead or captive I must be before tomorrow.’
‘What do you mean by that, my friend?’ said Edward. ‘The enemy is still a day’s march in our rear, and if he comes up, we are still strong enough to keep him in check. Remember Gladsmuir.’
‘What I tell you is true notwithstanding, so far as I am individually concerned.’
‘Upon what authority can you found so melancholy a prediction?’ asked Waverley.
‘On one which never failed a person of my house. I have seen,’ he said, lowering his voice, ‘I have seen the Bodach Glas.’
‘Bodach Glas?’
‘Yes; have you been so long at Glennaquoich, and never heard of the Grey Spectre? though indeed there is a certain reluctance43 among us to mention him.’
‘No, never.’
‘Ah! it would have been a tale for poor Flora to have told you. Or, if that hill were Benmore, and that long blue lake, which you see just winding44 towards yon mountainous country, were Loch Tay, or my own Loch an Ri, the tale would be better suited with scenery. However, let us sit down on this knoll45; even Saddleback and Ulswater will suit what I have to say better than the English hedgerows, enclosures, and farmhouses46. You must know, then, that when my ancestor, Ian nan Chaistel, wasted Northumberland, there was associated with him in the expedition a sort of Southland Chief, or captain of a band of Lowlanders, called Halbert Hall. In their return through the Cheviots they quarrelled about the division of the great booty they had acquired, and came from words to blows. The Lowlanders were cut off to a man, and their chief fell the last, covered with wounds by the sword of my ancestor. Since that time his spirit has crossed the Vich Ian Vohr of the day when any great disaster was impending47, but especially before approaching death. My father saw him twice, once before he was made prisoner at Sheriff-Muir, another time on the morning of the day on which he died.’
‘How can you, my dear Fergus, tell such nonsense with a grave face?’
‘ I do not ask you to believe it; but I tell you the truth, ascertained48 by three hundred years’ experience at least, and last night by my own eyes.’
‘The particulars, for heaven’s sake!’ said Waverley, with eagerness.
‘I will, on condition you will not attempt a jest on the subject. Since this unhappy retreat commenced I have scarce ever been able to sleep for thinking of my clan, and of this poor Prince, whom they are leading back like a dog in a string, whether he will or no, and of the downfall of my family. Last night I felt so feverish50 that I left my quarters and walked out, in hopes the keen frosty air would brace42 my nerves — I cannot tell how much I dislike going on, for I know you will hardly believe me. However — I crossed a small footbridge, and kept walking backwards51 and forwards, when I observed with surprise by the clear moonlight a tall figure in a grey plaid, such as shepherds wear in the south of Scotland, which, move at what pace I would, kept regularly about four yards before me.’
‘You saw a Cumberland peasant in his ordinary dress, probably.’
‘No; I thought so at first, and was astonished at the man’s audacity52 in daring to dog me. I called to him, but received no answer. I felt an anxious throbbing53 at my heart, and to ascertain49 what I dreaded54, I stood still and turned myself on the same spot successively to the four points of the compass. By Heaven, Edward, turn where I would, the figure was instantly before my eyes, at precisely55 the same distance! I was then convinced it was the Bodach Glas. My hair bristled56 and my knees shook. I manned myself, however, and determined to return to my quarters. My ghastly visitant glided57 before me (for I cannot say he walked) until he reached the footbridge; there he stopped and turned full round. I must either wade58 the river or pass him as close as I am to you. A desperate courage, founded on the belief that my death was near, made me resolve to make my way in despite of him. I made the sign of the cross, drew my sword, and uttered, “In the name of God, Evil Spirit, give place!” “Vich Ian Vohr,” it said, in a voice that made my very blood curdle59, “beware of to-morrow!” It seemed at that moment not half a yard from my sword’s point; but the words were no sooner spoken than it was gone, and nothing appeared further to obstruct60 my passage. I got home and threw myself on my bed, where I spent a few hours heavily enough; and this morning, as no enemy was reported to be near us, I took my horse and rode forward to make up matters with you. I would not willingly fall until I am in charity with a wronged friend.’
Edward had little doubt that this phantom61 was the operation of an exhausted62 frame and depressed63 spirits, working on the belief common to all Highlanders in such superstitions64. He did not the less pity Fergus, for whom, in his present distress66, he felt all his former regard revive. With the view of diverting his mind from these gloomy images, he offered, with the Baron’s permission, which he knew he could readily obtain, to remain in his quarters till Fergus’s corps67 should come up, and then to march with them as usual. The Chief seemed much pleased, yet hesitated to accept the offer.
‘We are, you know, in the rear, the post of danger in a retreat.’
‘And therefore the post of honour.’
‘Well,’ replied the Chieftain, ‘let Alick have your horse in readiness, in case we should be overmatched, and I shall be delighted to have your company once more.’
The rear-guard were late in making their appearance, having been delayed by various accidents and by the badness of the roads. At length they entered the hamlet. When Waverley joined the clan Mac- Ivor, arm-in-arm with their Chieftain, all the resentment68 they had entertained against him seemed blown off at once. Evan Dhu received him with a grin of congratulation; and even Callum, who was running about as active as ever, pale indeed, and with a great patch on his head, appeared delighted to see him.
‘That gallows-bird’s skull,’ said Fergus, ‘must be harder than marble; the lock of the pistol was actually broken.’
‘How could you strike so young a lad so hard?’ said Waverley, with some interest.
‘Why, if I did not strike hard sometimes, the rascals would forget themselves.’
They were now in full march, every caution being taken to prevent surprise. Fergus’s people, and a fine clan regiment69 from Badenoch, commanded by Cluny Mac-Pherson, had the rear. They had passed a large open moor70, and were entering into the enclosures which surround a small village called Clifton. The winter sun had set, and Edward began to rally Fergus upon the false predictions of the Grey Spirit. ‘The ides of March are not past,’ said Mac-Ivor, with a smile; when, suddenly casting his eyes back on the moor, a large body of cavalry was indistinctly seen to hover71 upon its brown and dark surface. To line the enclosures facing the open ground and the road by which the enemy must move from it upon the village was the work of a short time. While these manoeuvres were accomplishing, night sunk down, dark and gloomy, though the moon was at full. Sometimes, however, she gleamed forth72 a dubious73 light upon the scene of action.
The Highlanders did not long remain undisturbed in the defensive74 position they had adopted. Favoured by the night, one large body of dismounted dragoons attempted to force the enclosures, while another, equally strong, strove to penetrate by the highroad. Both were received by such a heavy fire as disconcerted their ranks and effectually checked their progress. Unsatisfied with the advantage thus gained, Fergus, to whose ardent spirit the approach of danger seemed to restore all its elasticity75, drawing his sword and calling out ‘Claymore!’ encouraged his men, by voice and example, to break through the hedge which divided them and rush down upon the enemy. Mingling76 with the dismounted dragoons, they forced them, at the sword-point, to fly to the open moor, where a considerable number were cut to pieces. But the moon, which suddenly shone out, showed to the English the small number of assailants, disordered by their own success. Two squadrons of horse moving to the support of their companions, the Highlanders endeavoured to recover the enclosures. But several of them, amongst others their brave Chieftain, were cut off and surrounded before they could effect their purpose. Waverley, looking eagerly for Fergus, from whom, as well as from the retreating body of his followers77, he had been separated in the darkness and tumult78, saw him, with Evan Dhu and Callum, defending themselves desperately79 against a dozen of horsemen, who were hewing80 at them with their long broadswords. The moon was again at that moment totally overclouded, and Edward, in the obscurity, could neither bring aid to his friends nor discover which way lay his own road to rejoin the rear-guard. After once or twice narrowly escaping being slain81 or made prisoner by parties of the cavalry whom he encountered in the darkness, he at length reached an enclosure, and, clambering over it, concluded himself in safety and on the way to the Highland forces, whose pipes he heard at some distance. For Fergus hardly a hope remained, unless that he might be made prisoner Revolving82 his fate with sorrow and anxiety, the superstition65 of the Bodach Glas recurred83 to Edward’s recollection, and he said to himself, with internal surprise ‘What, can the devil speak truth?’
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1
highland
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| n.(pl.)高地，山地 | |
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relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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outstripped
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| v.做得比…更好，（在赛跑等中）超过( outstrip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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8
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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mortified
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| v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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14
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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rupture
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| n.破裂；(关系的)决裂；v.(使)破裂 | |
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elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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buckle
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| n.扣子，带扣；v.把...扣住，由于压力而弯曲 | |
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sequestered
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| adj.扣押的；隐退的；幽静的；偏僻的v.使隔绝，使隔离( sequester的过去式和过去分词 )；扣押 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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flora
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| n.(某一地区的)植物群 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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26
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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pointedly
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| adv.尖地，明显地 | |
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embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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forfeiting
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的现在分词 ) | |
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gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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abate
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| vi.(风势，疼痛等)减弱，减轻，减退 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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gallows
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| n.绞刑架，绞台 | |
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clan
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| n.氏族，部落，宗族，家族，宗派 | |
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42
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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43
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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44
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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45
knoll
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| n.小山，小丘 | |
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46
farmhouses
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| n.农舍，农场的主要住房( farmhouse的名词复数 ) | |
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impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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48
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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50
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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51
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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52
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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53
throbbing
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| a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
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54
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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55
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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56
bristled
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| adj. 直立的，多刺毛的 动词bristle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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57
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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58
wade
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| v.跋涉，涉水；n.跋涉 | |
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curdle
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| v.使凝结，变稠 | |
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obstruct
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| v.阻隔，阻塞(道路、通道等)；n.阻碍物，障碍物 | |
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phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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63
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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superstitions
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| 迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 ) | |
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superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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66
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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67
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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68
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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69
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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70
moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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71
hover
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| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
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72
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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dubious
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| adj.怀疑的，无把握的；有问题的，靠不住的 | |
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74
defensive
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| adj.防御的；防卫的；防守的 | |
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elasticity
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| n.弹性，伸缩力 | |
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76
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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77
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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78
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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79
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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80
hewing
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的现在分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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81
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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82
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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83
recurred
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| 再发生，复发( recur的过去式和过去分词 )； 治愈 | |
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