Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 20.djvu/194

174 had placed them at intervals between redoubts lined with cannon. General Slipenbak, at the head of the Swedes, rushed upon them. All those who have served in the Swedish armies are sensible that it is almost impossible to withstand the fury of their first attack. The Muscovite squadrons were broken and routed. The czar ran up to rally them in person; his hat was pierced by a musket-ball; Menzikoff had three horses killed under him; and the Swedes cried out, "Victory."

Charles did not doubt that the battle was gained. About midnight he had sent General Creuts with five thousand horse or dragoons to take the enemy in flank, while he attacked them in front; but as his ill-fortune would have it, Creuts mistook his way, and did not make his appearance. The czar, who thought he was ruined, had time to rally his cavalry, and in his turn fell upon that of the king, which, not being supported by the detachment of Creuts, was likewise broken. Slipenbak was taken prisoner in this engagement. At the same time seventy-two pieces of cannon played from the camp upon the cavalry; and the Russian foot opening their lines, advanced to attack Charles's infantry.

After this the czar detached Prince Menzikoff to go and take post between Poltava and the Swedes. Prince Menzikoff executed his master's orders with dexterity and expedition. He not only cut off the communication between the Swedish army and the camp before Poltava; but having fallen in with a corps de réserve, he surrounded it and cut it to pieces. If Menzikoff performed this exploit of his