Such was Napoleon’s disposition of his eager and gallant followers.
“This admirable order of battle,” observes a distinguished military writer, “at once grand, simple and imposing, and presenting to its skilful designer the most ample means of sustaining, by an immediate and efficient support, any attack from whatever point he might wish to direct it, and of possessing everywhere a respectable force at hand to oppose any attack made upon himself, from whatever quarter it might be made, was no less remarkable for the regularity and precision with which the several masses, constituting thirteen distinct columns, advanced to their destined stations, than for the unusual degree of warlike pomp and high martial bearing with which the lines drew up in this mighty battle array.” (Siborne, vol. I.)
Both positions, whatever some prejudiced French writers may assert, offered everywhere fair fighting ground, on which all arms could act without any disadvantage.
THE EVE OF WATERLOO.
“Kneel, warrior, kneel: to-morrow’s sun
May see thy course of glory run;
And batter’d helm and shiver’d glave
May lie neglected near thy grave.
Kneel; for thy prayer in battle field
May sanctify thy sword and shield,