History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
Half of the Minotaur is gone to shreds in this manner; but the attack
upon it, too, is spent: what is to be done with the other half of the
monster, which is again alive; which still stands, and polypus-like
has arranged a new life for itself, a new front against the Galgengrund
yonder? Friedrich brings his right wing into action. Rapidly arranges
right wing, centre, all of the left that is disposable, with batteries,
with cavalry; for an attack on the opposite or southeastern end of
his monster. If your monster, polypus-like, come alive again in the
tail-part, you must fell that other head of him. Batteries, well in
advance, begin work upon the new head of the monster, which was once
his tail; fresh troops, long lines of them, pushing forward to begin
platoon-volleying:--time now, I should guess, about half-past two. Our
infantry has not yet got within musket-range,--when torrents of Russian
Horse, Foot too following, plunge out; wide-flowing, stormfully swift;
and dash against the coming attack. Dash against it; stagger it;
actually tumble it back, in the centre part; take one of the batteries,
and a whole battalion prisoners. Here again is a moment! Friedrich,
they say, rushed personally into this vortex; rallied these broken
battalions, again rallied and led them up; but it was to no purpose:
they could not be made to stand, these centre battalions;--"some sudden
panic in them, a thing unaccountable," says Tempelhof; "they are Dohna's
people, who fought perfectly at Jagersdorf, and often elsewhere" (they
were all in such a finely burnished state the other day; but have not
biting talent, like the grass-devils): enough, they fairly scour away,
certain disgraceful battalions, and are not got ranked again till below
Wilkersdorf, above a mile off; though the grass-devils, on both hands of
them, stand grimly steady, left in this ominous manner.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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