Anna unclosed her eyes and raised the paper. Breathless stillness
reigned anew. Anna read,
"In this fearful moment the Duke of Bevern felt that a decisive step
must be taken, and springing in front of his troops with drawn
sword, he cried, 'Boys, you have no more ammunition! Do not be
discouraged! Fight with your bayonets!' These words, spoken by a
brave and beloved leader, gave heart to all. They closed their
ranks, and inspired by the example of their officer, attacked the
enemy boldly. In vain Baron Stahremberg hastened forward with his
six battalions--uselessly Baron Wied tried to defend the house of
Losovitz in which his grenadiers had taken refuge. Nothing could
withstand the Prussians. Like a raging hurricane they fell upon the
enemy, who were forced to give way to them. A part of the Austrian
force sprang into the Elbe, and tried to save their lives by
swimming. Losovitz was tired, and all its defenders fled. The
Prussians had gained a complete victory." [Footnote:
"Characteristics of the Seven Years' War," vol. i., p. 63]
Anna Sophia could read no further. The delight of all was intense--
wives embraced their husbands with tears of joy--old men thanked God
aloud--and the boys, who had ceased their play and been listening
attentively, made bolder and higher somersets and shouted more
lustily.
Pages:
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385