The peace which crowned these glorious achievements afforded but a brief interval of repose to our army. In the spring of the following year, Europe was startled in her dream of fancied security by the sudden and unexpected return of Napoleon from Elba. In the campaign of Waterloo, which quickly and decisively broke his power, and almost annihilated the military strength of imperial France—with which strong, convulsive effort it hoped to restore its earlier and mightier dominion—the Forty-second claims a most conspicuous place, especially in the action of Quatre Bras, so immediately followed by the grander event of Waterloo. The unexpected and furious attack of Marshal Ney upon the advanced position of the allies at Quatre Bras, gave the French a momentary advantage. Roused to arms, and hurried forward to the scene of conflict, the Highlanders (Forty-second and Ninety-second regiments) were conspicuous for the promptitude with which they mustered and took the field, hastening forward to relieve the gallant few that dared to withstand the impetuous assaults of the French. The good conduct of the Highlanders, whilst quartered in Brussels, had so won the esteem of the citizens, that they are said to have mourned for them as a brother, grieving for their departure—perchance “The unreturning brave,—alas! Ere evening to be trodden like the grass Which now beneath them, but above shall grow In its next verdure; when this fiery mass Of living valour rolling on the foe, And burning with high hope, shall moulder cold and low! “Last noon beheld them full of lusty life; Last eve, in beauty’s circle proudly gay; The midnight brought the signal-sound of strife; The morn the marshalling in arms; the day Battle’s magnificently-stern array! The thunder-clouds close o’er it, which, when rent, The earth is cover’d thick with other clay, Which her own clay shall cover—heap’d and pent, Rider and horse,—friend, foe,—in one red burial blent!”