The king saw nothing; he heard the bullets hiss past him, the thunder of the cannon around him; but the varied living picture was wanting that enchains the mind with trembling excitement. He was as motionless as a bronze statue; his face betrayed no trace of his inward emotion; his only inquiry was, could his soldiers see him? At last the adjutant-general galloped up the hill, and brought the news that the enemy's centre was pierced, and the cuirassier guards who had been held in reserve behind the king's position, rushed past with a loud "Hurrah!" to their royal leader, as they started across the plain in pursuit of the enemy. Finally, a staff officer arrived from the commanding general, announcing that the victory was decided in favour of the Hanoverian arms. Then the king drew a deep breath and said, "I will dismount." A groom hastened to him; the king got off his horse. All the gentlemen around drew near him to express their congratulations. "Many brave and faithful hearts have ceased to beat! God grant them eternal peace!" said the king, solemnly. He stood for a moment in silent thought. "I am somewhat exhausted," he then said; "is there anything to drink?" Those nearest to him seized their flasks; they were empty. "There is some sherry in our carriage," said Meding. "And I have a travelling cup," cried Count Platen, taking a silver cup from a case. Meding ran to the carriage, and soon returned with half a bottle of sherry and a little wheaten bread. He poured some wine into the small cup, and handed it to the king. He drank it, and ate a morsel of bread. "Now I am strong again," he cried; "would to God that each one of my soldiers could say the same." "I will move about a little," he then said, and taking Meding's arm he paced slowly to and fro, on the top of the hill. "God has given our arms the victory," he said with emotion; "what is next to be done?" "Your majesty," said Meding, "this noble blood will all have been shed in vain, if we do not march at once to Gotha, cross the railway, and endeavour to reach Bavaria." The king sighed. "Oh! that I could place myself at the head of my army and lead it onwards! They will make difficulties, raise obstacles. You know how many obstacles the general staff has already raised in the council of war." He stood still, thinking deeply. "Your majesty must command a protocol to be drawn up, that these obstacles may at least be stated in black and white," said Meding. "It shall be done!" cried the king with energy. "You shall draw it up. I am answerable to history for what occurs, and for what is neglected." An aide-de-camp from the general in command galloped up. "General von Arentschildt begs your majesty at once to take up your head-quarters in Langensalza." "To horse!" cried the king. The aide-de-camp hurried away, the horses were brought, and the royal party moved down from the hill across the battle-field.