This plain talk would have provoked disorder; but just then our attention was distracted by the sight of Görgei riding alone to meet the Russian general.
He was simply dressed, the only bit of colour being the collar of gold braid attached to his brown blouse. His heavy riding-boots reached above the knee, and he wore a round black hat, with a waving white feather.
The staff followed, conspicuous in short green attilas, with heavy gold trimmings, and with herons' plumes in their hats.
The Russian leader, similarly accompanied, advanced from his lines, and we watched the two generals exchange hand-clasps.
I sat my horse and gazed spellbound while they talked, pitying the chivalrous Görgei from my heart.
Meanwhile, the Hungarian troops were still marching to their appointed places, while the Russian army stood in two long lines on the plain of Vilagos.
The conference between the leaders ceased; they returned to their posts, and we waited impatiently for the end.
At length all was ready. The Magyars were drawn up in two lines opposite their Muscovite foes--the infantry in the first, with the cavalry on the wings; the artillery in the second.
Once again Görgei and his staff rode to the front, where the Russian generals met them.
