In closing our brief record of the Second Regiment of Royal North British Dragoons, we cannot help remarking on the almost unbroken success and splendid trophies which have crowned their arms. Scarcely in a single instance was the regiment broken or necessitated to retreat for its own sake; only once did a standard fall into the hands of the enemy, although in its several campaigns the regiment has been always actively engaged. The reader must feel that we have great reason to be proud of our countrymen—and that it is an honest pride we indulge in—when sustained by such an unprecedented series of triumphs as it has been our pleasure to record. There is not a heart in Scotland which does not beat with affectionate sympathy and respect for the “Scots Greys;” and be they Englishmen or Irishmen who join the regiment, we feel sure they do so with a generous spirit of emulation, and ungrudgingly unite with us in doing honour to our countrymen, who early won a good name for the regiment by brave deeds—no idle tale, but recorded in the most prominent page of the world’s history. [Illustration: SCOTS GREY 1862] [Illustration: H.R.H. THE LATE PRINCE CONSORT, COLONEL OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS.] “THE GUARDS.” THE GRENADIERS—COLDSTREAMS—SCOTS FUSILIERS. ---------- CHAPTER IV. “Star of the brave! whose beam hath shed Such glory o’er the quick and dead; Thou radiant and adored deceit! Which millions rushed in arms to greet; Wild meteor of immortal birth! Why rise in Heaven to set on Earth?” INTRODUCTION—EARLY HISTORY—THE RESTORATION—TIMES OF THE STUARTS—THE REVOLUTION—1660–1688. The very name of “_Guards_” inspires the idea of all that is militarily splendid and excellent, great and glorious, noble and brave, faithful and loyal; and awakens in our minds a host of most interesting and exciting recollections. Guards are peculiarly a monarchical and despotic institution, having no real existence in a Republic or similar form of government. We would esteem this force as a chosen band of faithful, stalwart, and splendidly-equipped soldiers, specially charged with the defence of the throne, and calculated, by their imposing array, to add lustre and dignity to the Crown. Apart from this holiday display, the history of Guards is pre-eminently distinguished by the most splendid achievements of heroism and devotion. Their firmness and fidelity have alike rebuked the arrogance of the nobles who insulted, and stilled the turbulence of the people who challenged, the prerogative of the Crown. Nay, more, when the avalanche of revolution, descending, overthrew the tottering throne, having enjoyed the smile, unshaken, the Guards encountered the frowning of fortune; whilst fond memory bids us trace the footprints of their greatness.