and Vandeleur’s brigades move from the left to the centre, which gives confidence to the few brave fellows remaining.—His Grace observes the enemy forming for attack, and makes preparations to receive the coming storm.—Colonel Freemantle sent in search of the Prussians.—Our centre continues a duelling ground.—Gallant conduct of the prince of Orange, who is wounded.—The Nassau-men and Brunswickers give way in confusion; Wellington gallops up, and aided by Vivian, Kielmansegge and other officers, puts all right again. 97 CHAPTER VII. Napoleon advances his Imperial guard; gives it up to Ney.—The Emperor addresses his men for the last time.—Blücher’s guns blazing away, the enemy replies.—Napoleon circulates a false report.—The French guards about to attack men who, like themselves, had never been beaten.—Tremendous roar of artillery.—Vandersmissen’s brigade of guns arrives.—The right or leading column of the Imperial guard, on ascending the tongue of ground, suffers dreadfully from our double-charged guns, which it appears to disregard.—Ney’s horse killed.—The attacking column crowns the ridge, well supported.—“_Up, guards, make ready!_”—The British guards, Halkett’s brigade, with Bolton’s and Vandersmissen’s batteries, open fire upon the head of the assailing column, which it returns.—Gallantry of sir Colin Halkett.—The enemy in confusion, charged by our guards and Halkett’s 30th and 73d regiments.—The first French column, after displaying the most heroic courage, gives way in disorder.—The second attacking column approaching, suffers from our batteries.—Our guards, ordered to retire, get into disorder, which soon sets to right again.—Halkett’s brigade in great confusion, but soon recovers.—D’Aubremé’s Netherlanders in the greatest disorder.—Our batteries, with the guards, open fire upon the head of the left attacking column, whilst the 52d and rifles assail its front and left flank; the French return the fire with vigour.—The crisis.—The enemy in confusion, charged in flank, gives way.—Pursued by Adam’s brigade.—Vivian’s hussars launched forward upon the enemy’s reserves; their disposition.—General disposition of the Prussian and French armies. 111 CHAPTER VIII.