End of the world -- Fiction; Epidemics -- Fiction; Science fiction; Twenty-first century -- Fiction
All the plain, from Kishan to Rodosto, a distance of sixteen leagues,
was alive with troops, or with the camp-followers, all in motion at the
approach of a battle. The small garrisons were drawn from the various
towns and fortresses, and went to swell the main army. We met baggage
waggons, and many females of high and low rank returning to Fairy or
Kishan, there to wait the issue of the expected day. When we arrived at
Rodosto, we found that the field had been taken, and the scheme of the
battle arranged. The sound of firing, early on the following morning,
informed us that advanced posts of the armies were engaged. Regiment
after regiment advanced, their colours flying and bands playing. They
planted the cannon on the tumuli, sole elevations in this level
country, and formed themselves into column and hollow square; while the
pioneers threw up small mounds for their protection.
These then were the preparations for a battle, nay, the battle itself;
far different from any thing the imagination had pictured. We read of
centre and wing in Greek and Roman history; we fancy a spot, plain as a
table, and soldiers small as chessmen; and drawn forth, so that the
most ignorant of the game can discover science and order in the
disposition of the forces. When I came to the reality, and saw
regiments file off to the left far out of sight, fields intervening
between the battalions, but a few troops sufficiently near me to
observe their motions, I gave up all idea of understanding, even of
seeing a battle, but attaching myself to Raymond attended with intense
interest to his actions. He shewed himself collected, gallant and
imperial; his commands were prompt, his intuition of the events of the
day to me miraculous. In the mean time the cannon roared; the music
lifted up its enlivening voice at intervals; and we on the highest of
the mounds I mentioned, too far off to observe the fallen sheaves which
death gathered into his storehouse, beheld the regiments, now lost in
smoke, now banners and staves peering above the cloud, while shout and
clamour drowned every sound.
Early in the day, Argyropylo was wounded dangerously, and Raymond
assumed the command of the whole army. He made few remarks, till, on
observing through his glass the sequel of an order he had given, his
face, clouded for awhile with doubt, became radiant. “The day is ours,”
he cried, “the Turks fly from the bayonet.” And then swiftly he
dispatched his aides-de-camp to command the horse to fall on the routed
enemy. The defeat became total; the cannon ceased to roar; the infantry
rallied, and horse pursued the flying Turks along the dreary plain; the
staff of Raymond was dispersed in various directions, to make
observations, and bear commands. Even I was dispatched to a distant
part of the field.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account