Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/46

22 was fully explained. There the condition of each man spoke for their valour, insomuch that Christian muttered, "They have fallen as we would trim a tree, joint by joint. Dost thou behold, thou placid heaven? Their cause was liberty. If any be thy children, these are they—large-hearted, noble fellows." The glorious zeal he felt burning in his bosom gave way to wonder and amazement at the number of the enemy that lay dead. Soon, however, he thought upon Frederick, and hoping yet to find some life in him, went anxiously searching but could not find him; still thinking that he never would be taken by the enemy alive, he was about to order a second search, when one who was wounded told what had happened to Frederick. Christian said, "They must know that he cannot be spared." And having collected all the wounded of friends and enemies, they retreated to his camp.

Christian now began to think industriously, and to study with all diligence, desire, and patience, what was to be done; strengthening his heart to do for the best, having lost his two friends, and determining to fight it out till his last breath. After mature thinking, having taken the sense of the wisest men of his army, he determined to raise all the power he could,