Each of the lines of intrenchments
was surmounted by rows of polished helmets, while pikes and arquebuses
glittered in the sunshine; but it was not long that the scene was
visible, for as the battalions approached the foot of the Altenburg
80 pieces of artillery opened from its summit and from the ridge
of the Alte Veste, while the smoke of the arquebuses drifted up in
a cloud from the lines of intrenchments.
Steadily and in good order the Scotch and Swedish infantry pressed
forward, and forcing the lower ditch strove to climb the rocky
heights; but in vain did they strive. Over and over again they reached
the intrenchments, but were unable to force their way through the
thickly bound fallen trees, while their lines were torn with a
storm of iron and lead. Never did the Scottish soldiers of Gustavus
fight with greater desperation and valour. Scores of them rolled
lifeless down the slope, but fresh men took their places and strove
to hack their way through the impenetrable screen through which
the Imperialist bullets whistled like hail.
At last, when nigh half their number had fallen, the rest, exhausted,
broken, and in disorder, fell suddenly back. Gustavus in person
then led on his Finlanders, but these, after a struggle as obstinate
and heroic as that of their predecessors, in their turn fell back
baffled. The Livonians next made the attempt, but in vain.
Pages:
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277