So great was the destruction that the
Bavarians retreated in confusion back into the town again, leaving
the bridge strewn with their dead.
Alone the gallant Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg charged through the hail
of fire across the bridge, fell upon the pikemen sword in hand,
and cutting his way through them rode away, leaving his garrison
to their fate. The roar of artillery informed Gustavus what was
going on, and he immediately opened fire against the other side of
the town and led his men to the assault of the gate.
The instant the Scotch had recovered from their surprise at the
desperate feat performed by the duke, Hepburn, calling them together,
placed himself at their head and led them across the bridge. The
panic stricken fugitives had omitted to close the gate, and the Scotch
at once entered the town. Here the garrison resisted desperately;
their pikemen barred the streets, and from every window and roof
their musketeers poured their fire upon the advancing column.
The day was breaking now, and the roar of battle in the city mingled
with that at the gates, where the Swedes were in vain striving to
effect an entrance. Gradually the Scotch won their way forward;
500 of the Bavarians were killed, in addition to 400 who had fallen
on the bridge. The rest now attempted to fly. Great numbers were
drowned in the Danube, and the remainder were taken prisoners.
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