Page:Life of the Duke of Wellington.pdf/20

20 it impossible to come up until long after the time anticipated.

Between eleven and twelve the battle opened with a cannonade from the French line, instantly followed by a fierce attack under Jerome, on the advanced post of Hougemont, but this having failed, Napoleon directed a formidable attack both of infantry and cavalry upon the left centre. All the firmness and bravery of the British and their commander were here required. During the scene of tumult and carnage, indeed, Wellington was everywhere, on account of the position of the armies, and the nature of the ground, exposing his person with a necessary but painful freedom. There was scarcely a square which he did not visit in person, encouraging the men by his presence, and stimulating the officers by his directions. Many of his short phrases addressed to his troops had a talismanic effect. As he stood before Mont St. Jean, in the middle of the High road, several guns were pointed at him, distinguished as he was by his suite, and the movements of his staff who went and camocame [sic] with orders. The balls repeatedly struck, on the right hand of the road near him. “That's good practice," said the DukoDuke [sic] to one of his staff; “I think they fire better than they did in Spain." Riding up to the 95th when in front of the line, and threatened with a formidable charge of cavalry, he said, “Stand fast, 95th—we must not bobe [sic] beat—what will they say in England?" On another occasion, when brave men were falling every minute, he said with cool confidence, as if he had been merely a spectator, “Never mind, we'll win this battle yet." Another regiment, in close combat, was addressed by him in a common sporting phrase: “Hard pounding this, gentlemen; let's see who will pound longest."—All who heard him issue orders, received fresh confidence from his readiness, decision, and cool composure. His staff fell man by