These veterans of Tilly's had never known defeat. By night their numbers were reduced to only six hundred men. As soon as the darkness came they fled from the field, leaving the Swedes in undisputed possession. The king of Sweden threw himself on his knees and gave public thanks to God in earnest prayer for this wonderful victory. He then rode through the ranks, shaking hands with his officers and thanking his brave men in warm words of praise for their heroic actions.
The same day he wrote Chancellor Oxenstiern: "Although we mourn the loss of many brave men, we must, nevertheless, above all, thank God for this victory and protection which He has given us, for we have never incurred greater dangers."
On that battlefield now stands a great monument with this inscription:
"Gustavus Adolphus,
The Christian and Hero,
Saved, near Breitenfield,
Religious Liberty to the World."
CHAPTER X.
GUSTAVUS IN GERMANY.—CONTINUED.
The battle of Breitenfield marks an important epoch in history. Ferdinand had a dream of annexing all northern Europe to the Holy Roman Empire. When he failed at Stralsund he saw the limit of his northern stretch; at Breitenfield he knew the limitations of his army. This battle really restored to freedom and to Protestantism all northern Europe.
It marks an era in military affairs. Gustavus had practiced his army in great flexibility, or mobility, and this quality had triumphed over weight and numbers. Colonel Munro says: "Oh! would to God I had once again such a leader to fight such another day in this old quarrel, and though I died standing, I should be persuaded I died well."