114 THE BATTLH OF BALACLAVA. CHAP. I. The distin- guishing character- istics of the two regiments. by mere death ; for a regiment great in history bears so far a resemblance to the immortal gods as to be old in power and glory, yet have always the freshness of youth. Long intervals of years often passed in which the Greys and the Inniskil- lings remained parted by distance, but whenever it became known that by some new change of quarters the two regiments would once more be brought together, there used to be great joy and preparation ; and whether the in-marching regi- ment might be the Greys or the Inniskillings, it was sure to be welcomed by the other one with delight and with lavish attentions. When last the sworn friends were together in what they might deign to call fighting, they were under the field-glass of the great Napoleon. Then, as now, the Greys charged in the first line, and on the left of the Inniskillings.* Of the two comrade regiments, each had its distinguishing characteristics. The Inniskillings, with still some remaining traces in their corps of the old warlike Orange enthusiasm, were eager, fiery, impetuous, f The Scots Greys, with a great power of self-restraint, were yet liable to be wrought upon by their native inborn desire for
- It had been intended by Lord Oxbridge itiat they should
act in support, but circumstances superseded his directions, and caused them to charge in first line. t The proportion of ■ recruited from Ireland was very much smaller than it had been in former times, hut still the Orange element, coupled with the foi mental tradi- tion, was enough ■•• warrai I tement contained in th«* text
