The History of the Thirty Years' WarSchiller, Friedrich
History
The History of the Thirty Years' War
Schiller, Friedrich
Europe -- History -- 1517-1648; Thirty Years' War, 1618-1648
The order which recalled that general to Lutzen had reached him
in Halle, while his troops were still plundering the town. It was
impossible to collect the scattered infantry with that rapidity, which
the urgency of the order, and Pappenheim's impatience required. Without
waiting for it, therefore, he ordered eight regiments of cavalry to
mount; and at their head he galloped at full speed for Lutzen, to share
in the battle. He arrived in time to witness the flight of the imperial
right wing, which Gustavus Horn was driving from the field, and to be at
first involved in their rout. But with rapid presence of mind he rallied
the flying troops, and led them once more against the enemy. Carried
away by his wild bravery, and impatient to encounter the king, who
he supposed was at the head of this wing, he burst furiously upon the
Swedish ranks, which, exhausted by victory, and inferior in numbers,
were, after a noble resistance, overpowered by this fresh body of
enemies. Pappenheim's unexpected appearance revived the drooping courage
of the Imperialists, and the Duke of Friedland quickly availed himself
of the favourable moment to re-form his line. The closely serried
battalions of the Swedes were, after a tremendous conflict, again driven
across the trenches; and the battery, which had been twice lost, again
rescued from their hands. The whole yellow regiment, the finest of all
that distinguished themselves in this dreadful day, lay dead on the
field, covering the ground almost in the same excellent order which,
when alive, they maintained with such unyielding courage. The same fate
befel another regiment of Blues, which Count Piccolomini attacked with
the imperial cavalry, and cut down after a desperate contest. Seven
times did this intrepid general renew the attack; seven horses were
shot under him, and he himself was pierced with six musket balls; yet
he would not leave the field, until he was carried along in the general
rout of the whole army. Wallenstein himself was seen riding through his
ranks with cool intrepidity, amidst a shower of balls, assisting the
distressed, encouraging the valiant with praise, and the wavering by his
fearful glance. Around and close by him his men were falling thick, and
his own mantle was perforated by several shots. But avenging destiny
this day protected that breast, for which another weapon was reserved;
on the same field where the noble Gustavus expired, Wallenstein was not
allowed to terminate his guilty career.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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