Now the attention was attracted by a park of artillery thundering
through the streets; and now, by a group of officers disputing loudly
the demands of their imperturbable Flemish landlords; for not even the
panic which prevailed could frighten the Flemings out of a single
stiver; screams and yells occasionally rose above the busy hum that
murmured through the crowd, but the general sound resembled the roar of
the distant ocean. Between two and three o'clock the Brunswickers
marched from the town, still clad in the mourning which they wore for
their old duke, and burning to avenge his death. Alas! they had a still
more fatal loss to lament ere they returned. At four, the whole
disposable force under the Duke of Wellington was collected together,
but in such haste, that many of the officers had not time to change
their silk stockings and dancing shoes; and some, quite overcome by
drowsiness, were seen lying asleep about the ramparts, still holding,
however, with a firm hand, the reins of their horses which were grazing
by their sides. About five o'clock, the word "march" was heard in all
directions, and instantly the whole mass appeared to move
simultaneously. I conversed with several of the officers previous to
their departure, and not one appeared to have the slightest idea of an
approaching engagement. The Duke of Wellington and his staff did not
quit Brussels till past eleven o'clock; and it was not till some time
after they were gone, that it was generally known the whole French army,
including a strong corps of cavalry, was within a few miles of Quatre
Bras, where the brave Duke of Brunswick first met the enemy:
"And foremost fighting--fell.
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