It grew rapidly lighter, and suddenly the sound of a
trumpet, followed by the rapid beating of drums, showed that the
Spaniards had, from their camp on the eminence half a mile away,
discovered the work which had sprung up during the night as if by
magic on their side of the river.
In a few minutes a great body of cavalry was seen issuing from the
Spanish camp, and fourteen squadrons of cuirassiers trotted down
towards the intrenchments. Soon the word was given to charge, and,
like a torrent, the mass of cavalry swept down upon it.
Two-thirds of those who had crossed were musketeers, the remainder
pikemen. The latter formed the front line behind the rampart,
their spears forming a close hedge around it, while the musketeers
prepared to fire between them. By the order of Count Brahe not a
trigger was pulled until the cavalry were within fifty yards, then
a flash of flame swept round the rampart, and horses and men in
the front line of the cavalry tumbled to the ground. But half the
musketeers had fired, and a few seconds later another volley was
poured into the horsemen. The latter, however, although many had
fallen, did not check their speed, but rode up close to the rampart,
and flung themselves upon the hedge of spears.
Nothing could exceed the gallantry with which the Spaniards fought.
Some dismounted, and, leaping into the ditch, tried to climb the
rampart; others leapt the horses into it, and standing up in their
saddles, cut at the spearmen with their swords, and fired their
pistols among them.
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