CHAPTERXI
　　ABADGUIDETONAPOLEON；AGOODGUIDETOBULOW
　　ThepainfulsurpriseofNapoleoniswellknown。Grouchyhopedfor，Blucherarriving。Deathinsteadoflife。
　　Fatehastheseturns；thethroneoftheworldwasexpected；
　　itwasSaintHelenathatwasseen。
　　IfthelittleshepherdwhoservedasguidetoBulow，Blucher’slieutenant，hadadvisedhimtodebouchfromtheforestaboveFrischemont，insteadofbelowPlancenoit，theformofthenineteenthcenturymight，perhaps，havebeendifferent。NapoleonwouldhavewonthebattleofWaterloo。ByanyotherroutethanthatbelowPlancenoit，thePrussianarmywouldhavecomeoutuponaravineimpassableforartillery，andBulowwouldnothavearrived。
　　NowthePrussiangeneral，Muffling，declaresthatonehour’sdelay，andBlucherwouldnothavefoundWellingtononhisfeet。"Thebattlewaslost。"
　　ItwastimethatBulowshouldarrive，aswillbeseen。Hehad，moreover，beenverymuchdelayed。HehadbivouackedatDion—le—Mont，andhadsetoutatdaybreak；buttheroadswereimpassable，andhisdivisionsstuckfastinthemire。Therutswereuptothehubsofthecannons。Moreover，hehadbeenobligedtopasstheDyleonthenarrowbridgeofWavre；thestreetleadingtothebridgehadbeenfiredbytheFrench，sothecaissonsandammunition—wagonscouldnotpassbetweentworowsofburninghouses，andhadbeenobligedtowaituntiltheconflagrationwasextinguished。Itwasmid—daybeforeBulow’svanguardhadbeenabletoreachChapelle—Saint—Lambert。
　　Hadtheactionbeenbeguntwohoursearlier，itwouldhavebeenoveratfouro’clock，andBlucherwouldhavefallenonthebattlewonbyNapoleon。Sucharetheseimmenserisksproportionedtoaninfinitewhichwecannotcomprehend。
　　TheEmperorhadbeenthefirst，asearlyasmid—day，todescrywithhisfield—glass，ontheextremehorizon，somethingwhichhadattractedhisattention。Hehadsaid，"Iseeyonderacloud，whichseemstometobetroops。"ThenheaskedtheDucdeDalmatie，"Soult，whatdoyouseeinthedirectionofChapelle—Saint—Lambert？"
　　Themarshal，levellinghisglass，answered，"Fourorfivethousandmen，Sire；evidentlyGrouchy。"Butitremainedmotionlessinthemist。Alltheglassesofthestaffhadstudied"thecloud"
　　pointedoutbytheEmperor。Somesaid:"Itistrees。"Thetruthis，thattheclouddidnotmove。TheEmperordetachedDomon’sdivisionoflightcavalrytoreconnoitreinthatquarter。
　　Bulowhadnotmoved，infact。Hisvanguardwasveryfeeble，andcouldaccomplishnothing。Hewasobligedtowaitforthebodyofthearmycorps，andhehadreceivedorderstoconcentratehisforcesbeforeenteringintoline；butatfiveo’clock，perceivingWellington’speril，BlucherorderedBulowtoattack，andutteredtheseremarkablewords:"WemustgiveairtotheEnglisharmy。"
　　Alittlelater，thedivisionsofLosthin，Hiller，Hacke，andRysseldeployedbeforeLobau’scorps，thecavalryofPrinceWilliamofPrussiadebouchedfromtheforestofParis，Plancenoitwasinflames，andthePrussiancannon—ballsbegantorainevenupontheranksoftheguardinreservebehindNapoleon。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　THEGUARD
　　Everyoneknowstherest，——theirruptionofathirdarmy；thebattlebrokentopieces；eighty—sixmonthsoffirethunderingsimultaneously；
　　PirchthefirstcomingupwithBulow；Zieten’scavalryledbyBlucherinperson，theFrenchdrivenback；MarcognetsweptfromtheplateauofOhain；DuruttedislodgedfromPapelotte；
　　DonzelotandQuiotretreating；Lobaucaughtontheflank；afreshbattleprecipitatingitselfonourdismantledregimentsatnightfall；
　　thewholeEnglishlineresumingtheoffensiveandthrustforward；
　　thegiganticbreachmadeintheFrencharmy；theEnglishgrape—shotandthePrussiangrape—shotaidingeachother；theextermination；
　　disasterinfront；disasterontheflank；theGuardenteringthelineinthemidstofthisterriblecrumblingofallthings。
　　Consciousthattheywereabouttodie，theyshouted，"Vivel’Empereur！"
　　Historyrecordsnothingmoretouchingthanthatagonyburstingforthinacclamations。
　　Theskyhadbeenovercastalldaylong。Allofasudden，atthatverymoment，——itwaseighto’clockintheevening——thecloudsonthehorizonparted，andallowedthegrandandsinisterglowofthesettingsuntopassthrough，athwarttheelmsontheNivellesroad。
　　TheyhadseenitriseatAusterlitz。
　　EachbattalionoftheGuardwascommandedbyageneralforthisfinalcatastrophe。Friant，Michel，Roguet，Harlet，Mallet，PoretdeMorvan，werethere。WhenthetallcapsofthegrenadiersoftheGuard，withtheirlargeplaquesbearingtheeagleappeared，symmetrical，inline，tranquil，inthemidstofthatcombat，theenemyfeltarespectforFrance；theythoughttheybeheldtwentyvictoriesenteringthefieldofbattle，withwingsoutspread，andthosewhoweretheconquerors，believingthemselvestobevanquished，retreated；butWellingtonshouted，"Up，Guards，andaimstraight！"
　　TheredregimentofEnglishguards，lyingflatbehindthehedges，sprangup，acloudofgrape—shotriddledthetricoloredflagandwhistledroundoureagles；allhurledthemselvesforwards，andthefinalcarnagebegan。Inthedarkness，theImperialGuardfeltthearmylosinggroundaroundit，andinthevastshockoftheroutitheardthedesperateflightwhichhadtakentheplaceofthe"Vivel’Empereur！"and，withflightbehindit，itcontinuedtoadvance，morecrushed，losingmoremenateverystepthatittook。
　　Therewerenonewhohesitated，notimidmeninitsranks。
　　Thesoldierinthattroopwasasmuchofaheroasthegeneral。
　　Notamanwasmissinginthatsuicide。
　　Ney，bewildered，greatwithallthegrandeurofaccepteddeath，offeredhimselftoallblowsinthattempest。Hehadhisfifthhorsekilledunderhimthere。Perspiring，hiseyesaflame，foamingatthemouth，withuniformunbuttoned，oneofhisepauletshalfcutoffbyasword—strokefromahorseguard，hisplaquewiththegreateagledentedbyabullet；bleeding，bemired，magnificent，abrokenswordinhishand，hesaid，"ComeandseehowaMarshalofFrancediesonthefieldofbattle！"Butinvain；hedidnotdie。
　　Hewashaggardandangry。AtDrouetd’Erlonhehurledthisquestion，"Areyounotgoingtogetyourselfkilled？"Inthemidstofallthatartilleryengagedincrushingahandfulofmen，heshouted:
　　"Sothereisnothingforme！Oh！IshouldliketohavealltheseEnglishbulletsentermybowels！"Unhappyman，thouwertreservedforFrenchbullets！
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　THECATASTROPHE
　　TheroutbehindtheGuardwasmelancholy。
　　Thearmyyieldedsuddenlyonallsidesatonce，——Hougomont，LaHaie—Sainte，Papelotte，Plancenoit。Thecry"Treachery！"wasfollowedbyacryof"Saveyourselveswhocan！"Anarmywhichisdisbandingislikeathaw。Allyields，splits，cracks，floats，rolls，falls，jostles，hastens，isprecipitated。Thedisintegrationisunprecedented。Neyborrowsahorse，leapsuponit，andwithouthat，cravat，orsword，placeshimselfacrosstheBrusselsroad，stoppingbothEnglishandFrench。Hestrivestodetainthearmy，herecallsittoitsduty，heinsultsit，heclingstotherout。
　　Heisoverwhelmed。Thesoldiersflyfromhim，shouting，"LongliveMarshalNey！"TwoofDurutte’sregimentsgoandcomeinaffrightasthoughtossedbackandforthbetweentheswordsoftheUhlansandthefusilladeofthebrigadesofKempt，Best，Pack，andRylandt；
　　theworstofhand—to—handconflictsisthedefeat；friendskilleachotherinordertoescape；squadronsandbattalionsbreakanddisperseagainsteachother，likethetremendousfoamofbattle。Lobauatoneextremity，andReilleattheother，aredrawnintothetide。
　　InvaindoesNapoleonerectwallsfromwhatislefttohimofhisGuard；
　　invaindoesheexpendinalastefforthislastserviceablesquadrons。
　　QuiotretreatsbeforeVivian，KellermannbeforeVandeleur，LobaubeforeBulow，MorandbeforePirch，DomonandSubervicbeforePrinceWilliamofPrussia；Guyot，wholedtheEmperor’ssquadronstothecharge，fallsbeneaththefeetoftheEnglishdragoons。
　　Napoleongallopspastthelineoffugitives，harangues，urges，threatens，entreatsthem。Allthemouthswhichinthemorninghadshouted，"LonglivetheEmperor！"remaingaping；theyhardlyrecognizehim。
　　ThePrussiancavalry，newlyarrived，dashesforwards，flies，hews，slashes，kills，exterminates。Horseslashout，thecannonsflee；
　　thesoldiersoftheartillery—trainunharnessthecaissonsandusethehorsestomaketheirescape；transportsoverturned，withallfourwheelsintheair，clogtheroadandoccasionmassacres。
　　Menarecrushed，trampleddown，otherswalkoverthedeadandtheliving。Armsarelost。Adizzymultitudefillstheroads，thepaths，thebridges，theplains，thehills，thevalleys，thewoods，encumberedbythisinvasionoffortythousandmen。
　　Shoutsdespair，knapsacksandgunsflungamongtherye，passagesforcedatthepointofthesword，nomorecomrades，nomoreofficers，nomoregenerals，aninexpressibleterror。ZietenputtingFrancetotheswordatitsleisure。Lionsconvertedintogoats。Suchwastheflight。
　　AtGenappe，aneffortwasmadetowheelabout，topresentabattlefront，todrawupinline。Lobauralliedthreehundredmen。
　　Theentrancetothevillagewasbarricaded，butatthefirstvolleyofPrussiancanister，alltooktoflightagain，andLobauwastaken。
　　Thatvolleyofgrape—shotcanbeseento—dayimprintedontheancientgableofabrickbuildingontherightoftheroadatafewminutes’distancebeforeyouenterGenappe。ThePrussiansthrewthemselvesintoGenappe，furious，nodoubt，thattheywerenotmoreentirelytheconquerors。Thepursuitwasstupendous。
　　Blucherorderedextermination。RoguethadsetthelugubriousexampleofthreateningwithdeathanyFrenchgrenadierwhoshouldbringhimaPrussianprisoner。BlucheroutdidRoguet。Duhesme，thegeneraloftheYoungGuard，hemmedinatthedoorwayofaninnatGenappe，surrenderedhisswordtoahuzzarofdeath，whotooktheswordandslewtheprisoner。Thevictorywascompletedbytheassassinationofthevanquished。Letusinflictpunishment，sincewearehistory:
　　oldBlucherdisgracedhimself。Thisferocityputthefinishingtouchtothedisaster。ThedesperateroutetraversedGenappe，traversedQuatre—Bras，traversedGosselies，traversedFrasnes，traversedCharleroi，traversedThuin，andonlyhaltedatthefrontier。
　　Alas！andwho，then，wasfleeinginthatmanner？TheGrandArmy。
　　Thisvertigo，thisterror，thisdownfallintoruinoftheloftiestbraverywhicheverastoundedhistory，——isthatcauseless？
　　No。TheshadowofanenormousrightisprojectedathwartWaterloo。
　　Itisthedayofdestiny。Theforcewhichismightierthanmanproducedthatday。Hencetheterrifiedwrinkleofthosebrows；
　　henceallthosegreatsoulssurrenderingtheirswords。ThosewhohadconqueredEuropehavefallenproneontheearth，withnothinglefttosaynortodo，feelingthepresentshadowofaterriblepresence。
　　Hoceratinfatis。Thatdaytheperspectiveofthehumanraceunderwentachange。Waterlooisthehingeofthenineteenthcentury。
　　Thedisappearanceofthegreatmanwasnecessarytotheadventofthegreatcentury。Someone，apersontowhomonerepliesnot，tooktheresponsibilityonhimself。Thepanicofheroescanbeexplained。
　　InthebattleofWaterloothereissomethingmorethanacloud，thereissomethingofthemeteor。Godhaspassedby。
　　Atnightfall，inameadownearGenappe，BernardandBertrandseizedbytheskirtofhiscoatanddetainedaman，haggard，pensive，sinister，gloomy，who，draggedtothatpointbythecurrentoftherout，hadjustdismounted，hadpassedthebridleofhishorseoverhisarm，andwithwildeyewasreturningalonetoWaterloo。ItwasNapoleon，theimmensesomnambulistofthisdreamwhichhadcrumbled，essayingoncemoretoadvance。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　THELASTSQUARE
　　SeveralsquaresoftheGuard，motionlessamidthisstreamofthedefeat，asrocksinrunningwater，heldtheirownuntilnight。
　　Nightcame，deathalso；theyawaitedthatdoubleshadow，and，invincible，allowedthemselvestobeenvelopedtherein。
　　Eachregiment，isolatedfromtherest，andhavingnobondwiththearmy，nowshatteredineverypart，diedalone。Theyhadtakenuppositionforthisfinalaction，someontheheightsofRossomme，othersontheplainofMont—Saint—Jean。There，abandoned，vanquished，terrible，thosegloomysquaresenduredtheirdeath—throesinformidablefashion。Ulm，Wagram，Jena，Friedland，diedwiththem。
　　Attwilight，towardsnineo’clockintheevening，oneofthemwasleftatthefootoftheplateauofMont—Saint—Jean。Inthatfatalvalley，atthefootofthatdeclivitywhichthecuirassiershadascended，nowinundatedbythemassesoftheEnglish，undertheconvergingfiresofthevictorioushostilecavalry，underafrightfuldensityofprojectiles，thissquarefoughton。ItwascommandedbyanobscureofficernamedCambronne。Ateachdischarge，thesquarediminishedandreplied。Itrepliedtothegrape—shotwithafusillade，continuallycontractingitsfourwalls。Thefugitivespausingbreathlessforamomentinthedistance，listenedinthedarknesstothatgloomyandever—decreasingthunder。
　　Whenthislegionhadbeenreducedtoahandful，whennothingwasleftoftheirflagbutarag，whentheirguns，thebulletsallgone，werenolongeranythingbutclubs，whentheheapofcorpseswaslargerthanthegroupofsurvivors，therereignedamongtheconquerors，aroundthosemendyingsosublimely，asortofsacredterror，andtheEnglishartillery，takingbreath，becamesilent。Thisfurnishedasortofrespite。Thesecombatantshadaroundthemsomethinginthenatureofaswarmofspectres，silhouettesofmenonhorseback，theblackprofilesofcannon，thewhiteskyviewedthroughwheelsandgun—carriages，thecolossaldeath’s—head，whichtheheroessawconstantlythroughthesmoke，inthedepthsofthebattle，advanceduponthemandgazedatthem。Throughtheshadesoftwilighttheycouldhearthepiecesbeingloaded；thematchesalllighted，liketheeyesoftigersatnight，formedacircleroundtheirheads；
　　allthelintstocksoftheEnglishbatteriesapproachedthecannons，andthen，withemotion，holdingthesuprememomentsuspendedabovethesemen，anEnglishgeneral，Colvilleaccordingtosome，Maitlandaccordingtoothers，shoutedtothem，"Surrender，braveFrenchmen！"
　　Cambronnereplied，"—————。"
　　{EDITOR’SCOMMENTARY:Anothereditionofthisbookhastheword"Merde！"inlieuofthe—————above。}
　　CHAPTERXV
　　CAMBRONNE
　　IfanyFrenchreaderobjecttohavinghissusceptibilitiesoffended，onewouldhavetorefrainfromrepeatinginhispresencewhatisperhapsthefinestreplythataFrenchmanevermade。ThiswouldenjoinusfromconsigningsomethingsublimetoHistory。
　　Atourownriskandperil，letusviolatethisinjunction。
　　Now，then，amongthosegiantstherewasoneTitan，——Cambronne。
　　Tomakethatreplyandthenperish，whatcouldbegrander？
　　Forbeingwillingtodieisthesameastodie；anditwasnotthisman’sfaultifhesurvivedafterhewasshot。
　　ThewinnerofthebattleofWaterloowasnotNapoleon，whowasputtoflight；norWellington，givingwayatfouro’clock，indespairatfive；norBlucher，whotooknopartintheengagement。
　　ThewinnerofWaterloowasCambronne。
　　Tothunderforthsuchareplyatthelightning—flashthatkillsyouistoconquer！
　　ThustoanswertheCatastrophe，thustospeaktoFate，togivethispedestaltothefuturelion，tohurlsuchachallengetothemidnightrainstorm，tothetreacherouswallofHougomont，tothesunkenroadofOhain，toGrouchy’sdelay，toBlucher’sarrival，tobeIronyitselfinthetomb，toactsoastostanduprightthoughfallen，todrownintwosyllablestheEuropeancoalition，toofferkingsprivieswhichtheCaesarsonceknew，tomakethelowestofwordsthemostloftybyentwiningwithitthegloryofFrance，insolentlytoendWaterloowithMardigras，tofinishLeonidaswithRabellais，tosetthecrownonthisvictorybyawordimpossibletospeak，tolosethefieldandpreservehistory，tohavethelaughonyoursideaftersuchacarnage，——thisisimmense！
　　Itwasaninsultsuchasathunder—cloudmighthurl！ItreachesthegrandeurofAEschylus！
　　Cambronne’sreplyproducestheeffectofaviolentbreak。
　　’Tislikethebreakingofaheartunderaweightofscorn。
　　’Tistheoverflowofagonyburstingforth。Whoconquered？
　　Wellington？No！HaditnotbeenforBlucher，hewaslost。
　　WasitBlucher？No！IfWellingtonhadnotbegun，Bluchercouldnothavefinished。ThisCambronne，thismanspendinghislasthour，thisunknownsoldier，thisinfinitesimalofwar，realizesthathereisafalsehood，afalsehoodinacatastrophe，andsodoublyagonizing；
　　andatthemomentwhenhisrageisburstingforthbecauseofit，heisofferedthismockery，——life！Howcouldherestrainhimself？
　　YonderareallthekingsofEurope，thegeneral’sflushedwithvictory，theJupiter’sdartingthunderbolts；theyhaveahundredthousandvictorioussoldiers，andbackofthehundredthousandamillion；
　　theircannonstandwithyawningmouths，thematchislighted；theygrinddownundertheirheelstheImperialguards，andthegrandarmy；
　　theyhavejustcrushedNapoleon，andonlyCambronneremains，——
　　onlythisearthwormislefttoprotest。Hewillprotest。Thenheseeksfortheappropriatewordasoneseeksforasword。Hismouthfroths，andthefrothistheword。Infaceofthismeanandmightyvictory，infaceofthisvictorywhichcountsnonevictorious，thisdesperatesoldierstandserect。Hegrantsitsoverwhelmingimmensity，butheestablishesitstriviality；andhedoesmorethanspituponit。
　　Bornedownbynumbers，bysuperiorforce，bybrutematter，hefindsinhissoulanexpression:"Excrement！"Werepeatit，——
　　tousethatword，todothus，toinventsuchanexpression，istobetheconqueror！
　　Thespiritofmightydaysatthatportentousmomentmadeitsdescentonthatunknownman。CambronneinventsthewordforWaterlooasRougetinventsthe"Marseillaise，"underthevisitationofabreathfromonhigh。Anemanationfromthedivinewhirlwindleapsforthandcomessweepingoverthesemen，andtheyshake，andoneofthemsingsthesongsupreme，andtheotheruttersthefrightfulcry。
　　ThischallengeoftitanicscornCambronnehurlsnotonlyatEuropeinthenameoftheEmpire，——thatwouldbeatrifle:hehurlsitatthepastinthenameoftheRevolution。Itisheard，andCambronneisrecognizedaspossessedbytheancientspiritoftheTitans。
　　Dantonseemstobespeaking！Kleberseemstobebellowing！
　　AtthatwordfromCambronne，theEnglishvoiceresponded，"Fire！"
　　Thebatteriesflamed，thehilltrembled，fromallthosebrazenmouthsbelchedalastterriblegushofgrape—shot；avastvolumeofsmoke，vaguelywhiteinthelightoftherisingmoon，rolledout，andwhenthesmokedispersed，therewasnolongeranythingthere。
　　Thatformidableremnanthadbeenannihilated；theGuardwasdead。
　　Thefourwallsofthelivingredoubtlayprone，andhardlywastherediscernible，hereandthere，evenaquiverinthebodies；
　　itwasthusthattheFrenchlegions，greaterthantheRomanlegions，expiredonMont—Saint—Jean，onthesoilwateredwithrainandblood，amidthegloomygrain，onthespotwherenowadaysJoseph，whodrivesthepost—wagonfromNivelles，passeswhistling，andcheerfullywhippinguphishorseatfouro’clockinthemorning。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　QUOTLIBRASINDUCE？
　　ThebattleofWaterlooisanenigma。Itisasobscuretothosewhowonitastothosewholostit。ForNapoleonitwasapanic；[10]
　　Blucherseesnothinginitbutfire；Wellingtonunderstandsnothinginregardtoit。Lookatthereports。Thebulletinsareconfused，thecommentariesinvolved。Somestammer，otherslisp。
　　JominidividesthebattleofWaterloointofourmoments；Mufflingcutsitupintothreechanges；Charrasalone，thoughweholdanotherjudgmentthanhisonsomepoints，seizedwithhishaughtyglancethecharacteristicoutlinesofthatcatastropheofhumangeniusinconflictwithdivinechance。Alltheotherhistorianssufferfrombeingsomewhatdazzled，andinthisdazzledstatetheyfumbleabout。
　　Itwasadayoflightningbrilliancy；infact，acrumblingofthemilitarymonarchywhich，tothevaststupefactionofkings，drewallthekingdomsafterit——thefallofforce，thedefeatofwar。
　　[10]"Abattleterminated，adayfinished，falsemeasuresrepaired，greatersuccessesassuredforthemorrow，——allwaslostbyamomentofpanic，terror。"——Napoleon，DicteesdeSainteHelene。
　　Inthisevent，stampedwithsuperhumannecessity，thepartplayedbymenamountstonothing。
　　IfwetakeWaterloofromWellingtonandBlucher，dowetherebydepriveEnglandandGermanyofanything？No。NeitherthatillustriousEnglandnorthataugustGermanyenterintotheproblemofWaterloo。
　　ThankHeaven，nationsaregreat，independentlyofthelugubriousfeatsofthesword。NeitherEngland，norGermany，norFranceiscontainedinascabbard。AtthisepochwhenWaterlooisonlyaclashingofswords，aboveBlucher，GermanyhasSchiller；
　　aboveWellington，EnglandhasByron。Avastdawnofideasisthepeculiarityofourcentury，andinthatauroraEnglandandGermanyhaveamagnificentradiance。Theyaremajesticbecausetheythink。
　　Theelevationoflevelwhichtheycontributetocivilizationisintrinsicwiththem；itproceedsfromthemselvesandnotfromanaccident。
　　TheaggrandizementwhichtheyhavebroughttothenineteenthcenturyhasnotWaterlooasitssource。Itisonlybarbarouspeopleswhoundergorapidgrowthafteravictory。Thatisthetemporaryvanityoftorrentsswelledbyastorm。Civilizedpeople，especiallyinourday，areneitherelevatednorabasedbythegoodorbadfortuneofacaptain。Theirspecificgravityinthehumanspeciesresultsfromsomethingmorethanacombat。Theirhonor，thankGod！theirdignity，theirintelligence，theirgenius，arenotnumberswhichthosegamblers，heroesandconquerors，canputinthelotteryofbattles。Oftenabattleislostandprogressisconquered。
　　Thereislessgloryandmoreliberty。Thedrumholdsitspeace；
　　reasontakestheword。Itisagameinwhichhewholoseswins。
　　Letus，therefore，speakofWaterloocoldlyfrombothsides。
　　Letusrendertochancethatwhichisduetochance，andtoGodthatwhichisduetoGod。WhatisWaterloo？Avictory？No。Thewinningnumberinthelottery。
　　Thequine[11]wonbyEurope，paidbyFrance。
　　[11]Fivewinningnumbersinalottery。
　　Itwasnotworthwhiletoplacealionthere。
　　Waterloo，moreover，isthestrangestencounterinhistory。
　　NapoleonandWellington。Theyarenotenemies；theyareopposites。
　　NeverdidGod，whoisfondofantitheses，makeamorestrikingcontrast，amoreextraordinarycomparison。Ononeside，precision，foresight，geometry，prudence，anassuredretreat，reservesspared，withanobstinatecoolness，animperturbablemethod，strategy，whichtakesadvantageoftheground，tactics，whichpreservetheequilibriumofbattalions，carnage，executedaccordingtorule，warregulated，watchinhand，nothingvoluntarilylefttochance，theancientclassiccourage，absoluteregularity；ontheother，intuition，divination，militaryoddity，superhumaninstinct，aflamingglance，anindescribablesomethingwhichgazeslikeaneagle，andwhichstrikeslikethelightning，aprodigiousartindisdainfulimpetuosity，allthemysteriesofaprofoundsoul，associatedwithdestiny；thestream，theplain，theforest，thehill，summoned，andinamanner，forcedtoobey，thedespotgoingevensofarastotyrannizeoverthefieldofbattle；faithinastarmingledwithstrategicscience，elevatingbutperturbingit。
　　WellingtonwastheBaremeofwar；NapoleonwasitsMichaelAngelo；
　　andonthisoccasion，geniuswasvanquishedbycalculation。
　　Onbothsidessomeonewasawaited。Itwastheexactcalculatorwhosucceeded。NapoleonwaswaitingforGrouchy；hedidnotcome。
　　WellingtonexpectedBlucher；hecame。
　　Wellingtonisclassicwartakingitsrevenge。Bonaparte，athisdawning，hadencounteredhiminItaly，andbeatenhimsuperbly。
　　Theoldowlhadfledbeforetheyoungvulture。Theoldtacticshadbeennotonlystruckasbylightning，butdisgraced。WhowasthatCorsicanofsixandtwenty？Whatsignifiedthatsplendidignoramus，who，witheverythingagainsthim，nothinginhisfavor，withoutprovisions，withoutammunition，withoutcannon，withoutshoes，almostwithoutanarmy，withamerehandfulofmenagainstmasses，hurledhimselfonEuropecombined，andabsurdlywonvictoriesintheimpossible？Whencehadissuedthatfulminatingconvict，whoalmostwithouttakingbreath，andwiththesamesetofcombatantsinhand，pulverized，oneaftertheother，thefivearmiesoftheemperorofGermany，upsettingBeaulieuonAlvinzi，WurmseronBeaulieu，MelasonWurmser，MackonMelas？Whowasthisnoviceinwarwiththeeffronteryofaluminary？Theacademicalmilitaryschoolexcommunicatedhim，andasitlostitsfooting；hence，theimplacablerancoroftheoldCaesarismagainstthenew；oftheregularswordagainsttheflamingsword；andoftheexchequeragainstgenius。
　　Onthe18thofJune，1815，thatrancorhadthelastword。
　　andbeneathLodi，Montebello，Montenotte，Mantua，Arcola，itwrote:Waterloo。Atriumphofthemediocreswhichissweettothemajority。Destinyconsentedtothisirony。Inhisdecline，NapoleonfoundWurmser，theyounger，againinfrontofhim。
　　Infact，togetWurmser，itsufficedtoblanchthehairofWellington。
　　Waterlooisabattleofthefirstorder，wonbyacaptainofthesecond。
　　ThatwhichmustbeadmiredinthebattleofWaterloo，isEngland；
　　theEnglishfirmness，theEnglishresolution，theEnglishblood；
　　thesuperbthingaboutEnglandthere，nooffencetoher，washerself。
　　Itwasnothercaptain；itwasherarmy。
　　Wellington，oddlyungrateful，declaresinalettertoLordBathurst，thathisarmy，thearmywhichfoughtonthe18thofJune，1815，wasa"detestablearmy。"WhatdoesthatsombreinterminglingofbonesburiedbeneaththefurrowsofWaterloothinkofthat？
　　EnglandhasbeentoomodestinthematterofWellington。TomakeWellingtonsogreatistobelittleEngland。Wellingtonisnothingbutaherolikemanyanother。ThoseScotchGrays，thoseHorseGuards，thoseregimentsofMaitlandandofMitchell，thatinfantryofPackandKempt，thatcavalryofPonsonbyandSomerset，thoseHighlandersplayingthepibrochundertheshowerofgrape—shot，thosebattalionsofRylandt，thoseutterlyrawrecruits，whohardlyknewhowtohandleamusketholdingtheirownagainstEssling’sandRivoli’soldtroops，——thatiswhatwasgrand。Wellingtonwastenacious；
　　inthatlayhismerit，andwearenotseekingtolessenit:
　　buttheleastofhisfoot—soldiersandofhiscavalrywouldhavebeenassolidashe。TheironsoldierisworthasmuchastheIronDuke。
　　Asforus，allourglorificationgoestotheEnglishsoldier，totheEnglisharmy，totheEnglishpeople。Iftrophytherebe，itistoEnglandthatthetrophyisdue。ThecolumnofWaterloowouldbemorejust，if，insteadofthefigureofaman，itboreonhighthestatueofapeople。
　　ButthisgreatEnglandwillbeangryatwhatwearesayinghere。
　　Shestillcherishes，afterherown1688andour1789，thefeudalillusion。Shebelievesinheredityandhierarchy。
　　Thispeople，surpassedbynoneinpowerandglory，regardsitselfasanation，andnotasapeople。Andasapeople，itwillinglysubordinatesitselfandtakesalordforitshead。Asaworkman，itallowsitselftobedisdained；asasoldier，itallowsitselftobeflogged。
　　Itwillberemembered，thatatthebattleofInkermannasergeantwhohad，itappears，savedthearmy，couldnotbementionedbyLordPaglan，astheEnglishmilitaryhierarchydoesnotpermitanyherobelowthegradeofanofficertobementionedinthereports。
　　Thatwhichweadmireaboveall，inanencounterofthenatureofWaterloo，isthemarvellousclevernessofchance。Anocturnalrain，thewallofHougomont，thehollowroadofOhain，Grouchydeaftothecannon，Napoleon’sguidedeceivinghim，Bulow’sguideenlighteninghim，——
　　thewholeofthiscataclysmiswonderfullyconducted。
　　Onthewhole，letussayitplainly，itwasmoreofamassacrethanofabattleatWaterloo。
　　Ofallpitchedbattles，Waterlooistheonewhichhasthesmallestfrontforsuchanumberofcombatants。Napoleonthree—quartersofaleague；Wellington，halfaleague；seventy—twothousandcombatantsoneachside。Fromthisdensenessthecarnagearose。
　　Thefollowingcalculationhasbeenmade，andthefollowingproportionestablished:Lossofmen:atAusterlitz，French，fourteenpercent；Russians，thirtypercent；Austrians，forty—fourpercent。AtWagram，French，thirteenpercent；
　　Austrians，fourteen。AttheMoskowa，French，thirty—sevenpercent；
　　Russians，forty—four。AtBautzen，French，thirteenpercent；
　　RussiansandPrussians，fourteen。AtWaterloo，French，fifty—sixpercent；theAllies，thirty—one。TotalforWaterloo，forty—onepercent；onehundredandforty—fourthousandcombatants；sixtythousanddead。
　　To—daythefieldofWaterloohasthecalmwhichbelongstotheearth，theimpassivesupportofman，anditresemblesallplains。
　　Atnight，moreover，asortofvisionarymistarisesfromit；
　　andifatravellerstrollsthere，ifhelistens，ifhewatches，ifhedreamslikeVirgilinthefatalplainsofPhilippi，thehallucinationofthecatastrophetakespossessionofhim。Thefrightful18thofJunelivesagain；thefalsemonumentalhillockdisappears，thelionvanishesinair，thebattle—fieldresumesitsreality，linesofinfantryundulateovertheplain，furiousgallopstraversethehorizon；thefrighteneddreamerbeholdstheflashofsabres，thegleamofbayonets，theflareofbombs，thetremendousinterchangeofthunders；hehears，asitwere，thedeathrattleinthedepthsofatomb，thevagueclamorofthebattlephantom；thoseshadowsaregrenadiers，thoselightsarecuirassiers；thatskeletonNapoleon，thatotherskeletonisWellington；allthisnolongerexists，andyetitclashestogetherandcombatsstill；andtheravinesareempurpled，andthetreesquiver，andthereisfuryeveninthecloudsandintheshadows；allthoseterribleheights，Hougomont，Mont—Saint—Jean，Frischemont，Papelotte，Plancenoit，appearconfusedlycrownedwithwhirlwindsofspectresengagedinexterminatingeachother。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　ISWATERLOOTOBECONSIDEREDGOOD？
　　ThereexistsaveryrespectableliberalschoolwhichdoesnothateWaterloo。Wedonotbelongtoit。
　　Tous，Waterlooisbutthestupefieddateofliberty。
　　Thatsuchaneagleshouldemergefromsuchaneggiscertainlyunexpected。
　　Ifoneplacesone’sselfattheculminatingpointofviewofthequestion，Waterlooisintentionallyacounter—revolutionaryvictory。ItisEuropeagainstFrance；itisPetersburg，Berlin，andViennaagainstParis；
　　itisthestatuquoagainsttheinitiative；itisthe14thofJuly，1789，attackedthroughthe20thofMarch，1815；itisthemonarchiesclearingthedecksinoppositiontotheindomitableFrenchrioting。
　　Thefinalextinctionofthatvastpeoplewhichhadbeenineruptionfortwenty—sixyears——suchwasthedream。ThesolidarityoftheBrunswicks，theNassaus，theRomanoffs，theHohenzollerns，theHapsburgswiththeBourbons。Waterloobearsdivinerightonitscrupper。Itistrue，thattheEmpirehavingbeendespotic，thekingdombythenaturalreactionofthings，wasforcedtobeliberal，andthataconstitutionalorderwastheunwillingresultofWaterloo，tothegreatregretoftheconquerors。Itisbecauserevolutioncannotbereallyconquered，andthatbeingprovidentialandabsolutelyfatal，itisalwayscroppingupafresh:beforeWaterloo，inBonaparteoverthrowingtheoldthrones；afterWaterloo，inLouisXVIII。
　　grantingandconformingtothecharter。BonaparteplacesapostiliononthethroneofNaples，andasergeantonthethroneofSweden，employinginequalitytodemonstrateequality；LouisXVIII。
　　atSaint—Ouencountersignsthedeclarationoftherightsofman。
　　Ifyouwishtogainanideaofwhatrevolutionis，callitProgress；
　　andifyouwishtoacquireanideaofthenatureofprogress，callitTo—morrow。To—morrowfulfilsitsworkirresistibly，anditisalreadyfulfillingitto—day。Italwaysreachesitsgoalstrangely。
　　ItemploysWellingtontomakeofFoy，whowasonlyasoldier，anorator。FoyfallsatHougomontandrisesagaininthetribune。
　　Thusdoesprogressproceed。Thereisnosuchthingasabadtoolforthatworkman。Itdoesnotbecomedisconcerted，butadjuststoitsdivineworkthemanwhohasbestriddentheAlps，andthegoodoldtotteringinvalidofFatherElysee。Itmakesuseofthegoutymanaswellasoftheconqueror；oftheconquerorwithout，ofthegoutymanwithin。Waterloo，bycuttingshortthedemolitionofEuropeanthronesbythesword，hadnoothereffectthantocausetherevolutionaryworktobecontinuedinanotherdirection。
　　Theslashershavefinished；itwastheturnofthethinkers。
　　ThecenturythatWaterloowasintendedtoarresthaspursueditsmarch。
　　Thatsinistervictorywasvanquishedbyliberty。
　　Inshort，andincontestably，thatwhichtriumphedatWaterloo；
　　thatwhichsmiledinWellington’srear；thatwhichbroughthimallthemarshals’staffsofEurope，including，itissaid，thestaffofamarshalofFrance；thatwhichjoyouslytrundledthebarrowsfullofbonestoerecttheknollofthelion；thatwhichtriumphantlyinscribedonthatpedestalthedate"June18，1815"；thatwhichencouragedBlucher，asheputtheflyingarmytothesword；thatwhich，fromtheheightsoftheplateauofMont—Saint—Jean，hoveredoverFranceasoveritsprey，wasthecounter—revolution。Itwasthecounter—revolutionwhichmurmuredthatinfamousword"dismemberment。"
　　OnarrivinginParis，itbeheldthecratercloseathand；itfeltthoseasheswhichscorcheditsfeet，anditchangeditsmind；
　　itreturnedtothestammerofacharter。
　　LetusbeholdinWaterlooonlythatwhichisinWaterloo。
　　Ofintentionallibertythereisnone。Thecounter—revolutionwasinvoluntarilyliberal，inthesamemanneras，byacorrespondingphenomenon，Napoleonwasinvoluntarilyrevolutionary。Onthe18thofJune，1815，themountedRobespierrewashurledfromhissaddle。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　ARECRUDESCENCEOFDIVINERIGHT
　　Endofthedictatorship。AwholeEuropeansystemcrumbledaway。
　　TheEmpiresankintoagloomwhichresembledthatoftheRomanworldasitexpired。Againwebeholdtheabyss，asinthedaysofthebarbarians；onlythebarbarismof1815，whichmustbecalledbyitspetnameofthecounter—revolution，wasnotlongbreathed，soonfelltopanting，andhaltedshort。TheEmpirewasbewept，——
　　letusacknowledgethefact，——andbeweptbyheroiceyes。
　　Ifgloryliesintheswordconvertedintoasceptre，theEmpirehadbeengloryinperson。Ithaddiffusedovertheearthallthelightwhichtyrannycangiveasombrelight。Wewillsaymore；
　　anobscurelight。Comparedtothetruedaylight，itisnight。
　　Thisdisappearanceofnightproducestheeffectofaneclipse。
　　LouisXVIII。re—enteredParis。Thecirclingdancesofthe8thofJulyeffacedtheenthusiasmsofthe20thofMarch。TheCorsicanbecametheantithesisoftheBearnese。TheflagonthedomeoftheTuilerieswaswhite。Theexilereigned。Hartwell’spinetabletookitsplaceinfrontofthefleur—de—lys—strewnthroneofLouisXIV。
　　BouvinesandFontenoywerementionedasthoughtheyhadtakenplaceontheprecedingday，Austerlitzhavingbecomeantiquated。
　　Thealtarandthethronefraternizedmajestically。OneofthemostundisputedformsofthehealthofsocietyinthenineteenthcenturywasestablishedoverFrance，andoverthecontinent。
　　Europeadoptedthewhitecockade。Trestaillonwascelebrated。
　　Thedevicenonpluribusimparre—appearedonthestoneraysrepresentingasunuponthefrontofthebarracksontheQuaid’Orsay。
　　WheretherehadbeenanImperialGuard，therewasnowaredhouse。
　　TheArcduCarrousel，allladenwithbadlybornevictories，thrownoutofitselementamongthesenovelties，alittleashamed，itmaybe，ofMarengoandArcola，extricateditselffromitspredicamentwiththestatueoftheDucd’Angouleme。ThecemeteryoftheMadeleine，aterriblepauper’sgravein1793，wascoveredwithjasperandmarble，sincethebonesofLouisXVI。andMarieAntoinettelayinthatdust。
　　InthemoatofVincennesasepulchralshaftsprangfromtheearth，recallingthefactthattheDucd’EnghienhadperishedintheverymonthwhenNapoleonwascrowned。PopePiusVII。，whohadperformedthecoronationverynearthisdeath，tranquillybestowedhisblessingonthefallashehadbestoweditontheelevation。
　　AtSchoenbrunntherewasalittleshadow，agedfour，whomitwasseditioustocalltheKingofRome。Andthesethingstookplace，andthekingsresumedtheirthrones，andthemasterofEuropewasputinacage，andtheoldregimebecamethenewregime，andalltheshadowsandallthelightoftheearthchangedplace，because，ontheafternoonofacertainsummer’sday，ashepherdsaidtoaPrussianintheforest，"Gothisway，andnotthat！"
　　This1815wasasortoflugubriousApril。Ancientunhealthyandpoisonousrealitieswerecoveredwithnewappearances。
　　Aliewedded1789；therightdivinewasmaskedunderacharter；
　　fictionsbecameconstitutional；prejudices，superstitionsandmentalreservations，withArticle14intheheart，werevarnishedoverwithliberalism。Itwastheserpent’schangeofskin。
　　ManhadbeenrenderedbothgreaterandsmallerbyNapoleon。
　　Underthisreignofsplendidmatter，theidealhadreceivedthestrangenameofideology！Itisagraveimprudenceinagreatmantoturnthefutureintoderision。Thepopulace，however，thatfoodforcannonwhichissofondofthecannoneer，soughthimwithitsglance。Whereishe？Whatishedoing？"Napoleonisdead，"
　　saidapasser—bytoaveteranofMarengoandWaterloo。"Hedead！"
　　criedthesoldier；"youdon’tknowhim。"Imaginationdistrustedthisman，evenwhenoverthrown。ThedepthsofEuropewerefullofdarknessafterWaterloo。SomethingenormousremainedlongemptythroughNapoleon’sdisappearance。
　　Thekingsplacedthemselvesinthisvoid。AncientEuropeprofitedbyittoundertakereforms。TherewasaHolyAlliance；
　　Belle—Alliance，BeautifulAlliance，thefatalfieldofWaterloohadsaidinadvance。
　　InpresenceandinfaceofthatantiqueEuropereconstructed，thefeaturesofanewFranceweresketchedout。Thefuture，whichtheEmperorhadrallied，madeitsentry。Onitsbrowitborethestar，Liberty。Theglowingeyesofallyounggenerationswereturnedonit。Singularfact！peoplewere，atoneandthesametime，inlovewiththefuture，Liberty，andthepast，Napoleon。Defeathadrenderedthevanquishedgreater。BonapartefallenseemedmoreloftythanNapoleonerect。Thosewhohadtriumphedwerealarmed。
　　EnglandhadhimguardedbyHudsonLowe，andFrancehadhimwatchedbyMontchenu。Hisfoldedarmsbecameasourceofuneasinesstothrones。Alexandercalledhim"mysleeplessness。"Thisterrorwastheresultofthequantityofrevolutionwhichwascontainedinhim。ThatiswhatexplainsandexcusesBonapartistliberalism。
　　Thisphantomcausedtheoldworldtotremble。Thekingsreigned，butillattheirease，withtherockofSaintHelenaonthehorizon。
　　WhileNapoleonwaspassingthroughthedeathstruggleatLongwood，thesixtythousandmenwhohadfallenonthefieldofWaterloowerequietlyrotting，andsomethingoftheirpeacewasshedabroadovertheworld。TheCongressofViennamadethetreatiesin1815，andEuropecalledthistheRestoration。
　　ThisiswhatWaterloowas。
　　ButwhatmattersittotheInfinite？allthattempest，allthatcloud，thatwar，thenthatpeace？AllthatdarknessdidnottroubleforamomentthelightofthatimmenseEyebeforewhichagrubskippingfromonebladeofgrasstoanotherequalstheeaglesoaringfrombelfrytobelfryonthetowersofNotreDame。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　THEBATTLE—FIELDATNIGHT
　　Letusreturn——itisanecessityinthisbook——tothatfatalbattle—field。
　　Onthe18thofJunethemoonwasfull。ItslightfavoredBlucher’sferociouspursuit，betrayedthetracesofthefugitives，deliveredupthatdisastrousmasstotheeagerPrussiancavalry，andaidedthemassacre。Suchtragicfavorsofthenightdooccursometimesduringcatastrophes。
　　Afterthelastcannon—shothadbeenfired，theplainofMont—Saint—Jeanremaineddeserted。
　　TheEnglishoccupiedtheencampmentoftheFrench；itistheusualsignofvictorytosleepinthebedofthevanquished。
　　TheyestablishedtheirbivouacbeyondRossomme。ThePrussians，letlooseontheretreatingrout，pushedforward。WellingtonwenttothevillageofWaterlootodrawuphisreporttoLordBathurst。
　　Ifeverthesicvosnonvobiswasapplicable，itcertainlyistothatvillageofWaterloo。Waterlootooknopart，andlayhalfaleaguefromthesceneofaction。Mont—Saint—Jeanwascannonaded，Hougomontwasburned，LaHaie—Saintewastakenbyassault，Papelottewasburned，Plancenoitwasburned，LaBelle—Alliancebeheldtheembraceofthetwoconquerors；thesenamesarehardlyknown，andWaterloo，whichworkednotinthebattle，bearsoffallthehonor。
　　Wearenotofthenumberofthosewhoflatterwar；whentheoccasionpresentsitself，wetellthetruthaboutit。Warhasfrightfulbeautieswhichwehavenotconcealed；ithasalso，weacknowledge，somehideousfeatures。Oneofthemostsurprisingisthepromptstrippingofthebodiesofthedeadafterthevictory。Thedawnwhichfollowsabattlealwaysrisesonnakedcorpses。
　　Whodoesthis？Whothussoilsthetriumph？Whathideous，furtivehandisthatwhichisslippedintothepocketofvictory？
　　Whatpickpocketsaretheywhoplytheirtradeintherearofglory？
　　Somephilosophers——Voltaireamongthenumber——affirmthatitispreciselythosepersonshavemadetheglory。Itisthesamemen，theysay；thereisnoreliefcorps；thosewhoareerectpillagethosewhoareproneontheearth。Theheroofthedayisthevampireofthenight。Onehasassuredlytheright，afterall，tostripacorpseabitwhenoneistheauthorofthatcorpse。
　　Forourownpart，wedonotthinkso；itseemstousimpossiblethatthesamehandshouldplucklaurelsandpurlointheshoesfromadeadman。
　　Onethingiscertain，whichis，thatgenerallyafterconquerorsfollowthieves。Butletusleavethesoldier，especiallythecontemporarysoldier，outofthequestion。
　　Everyarmyhasarear—guard，anditisthatwhichmustbeblamed。
　　Bat—likecreatures，halfbrigandsandlackeys；allthesortsofvespertillosthatthattwilightcalledwarengenders；wearersofuniforms，whotakenopartinthefighting；pretendedinvalids；
　　formidablelimpers；interlopingsutlers，trottingalonginlittlecarts，sometimesaccompaniedbytheirwives，andstealingthingswhichtheysellagain；beggarsofferingthemselvesasguidestoofficers；
　　soldiers’servants；marauders；armiesonthemarchindaysgoneby，——
　　wearenotspeakingofthepresent，——draggedallthisbehindthem，sothatinthespeciallanguagetheyarecalled"stragglers。"Noarmy，nonation，wasresponsibleforthosebeings；theyspokeItalianandfollowedtheGermans，thenspokeFrenchandfollowedtheEnglish。
　　Itwasbyoneofthesewretches，aSpanishstragglerwhospokeFrench，thattheMarquisofFervacques，deceivedbyhisPicardjargon，andtakinghimforoneofourownmen，wastraitorouslyslainandrobbedonthebattle—fielditself，inthecourseofthenightwhichfollowedthevictoryofCerisoles。Therascalsprangfromthismarauding。Thedetestablemaxim，Liveontheenemy！
　　producedthisleprosy，whichastrictdisciplinealonecouldheal。
　　Therearereputationswhicharedeceptive；onedoesnotalwaysknowwhycertaingenerals，greatinotherdirections，havebeensopopular。
　　Turennewasadoredbyhissoldiersbecausehetoleratedpillage；
　　evilpermittedconstitutespartofgoodness。TurennewassogoodthatheallowedthePalatinatetobedeliveredovertofireandblood。
　　Themaraudersinthetrainofanarmyweremoreorlessinnumber，accordingasthechiefwasmoreorlesssevere。HocheandMarceauhadnostragglers；Wellingtonhadfew，andwedohimthejusticetomentionit。
　　Nevertheless，onthenightfromthe18thtothe19thofJune，thedeadwererobbed。Wellingtonwasrigid；hegaveordersthatanyonecaughtintheactshouldbeshot；butrapineistenacious。
　　Themaraudersstoleinonecornerofthebattlefieldwhileotherswerebeingshotinanother。
　　Themoonwassinisteroverthisplain。
　　Towardsmidnight，amanwasprowlingabout，orrather，climbinginthedirectionofthehollowroadofOhain。Toallappearancehewasoneofthosewhomwehavejustdescribed，——neitherEnglishnorFrench，neitherpeasantnorsoldier，lessamanthanaghoulattractedbythescentofthedeadbodieshavingtheftforhisvictory，andcometorifleWaterloo。Hewascladinablousethatwassomethinglikeagreatcoat；hewasuneasyandaudacious；
　　hewalkedforwardsandgazedbehindhim。Whowasthisman？
　　Thenightprobablyknewmoreofhimthantheday。Hehadnosack，butevidentlyhehadlargepocketsunderhiscoat。Fromtimetotimehehalted，scrutinizedtheplainaroundhimasthoughtoseewhetherhewereobserved，bentoverabruptly，disturbedsomethingsilentandmotionlessontheground，thenroseandfled。
　　Hisslidingmotion，hisattitudes，hismysteriousandrapidgestures，causedhimtoresemblethosetwilightlarvaewhichhauntruins，andwhichancientNormanlegendscalltheAlleurs。
　　Certainnocturnalwadingbirdsproducethesesilhouettesamongthemarshes。
　　Aglancecapableofpiercingallthatmistdeeplywouldhaveperceivedatsomedistanceasortoflittlesutler’swagonwithaflutedwickerhood，harnessedtoafamishednagwhichwascroppingthegrassacrossitsbitasithalted，hidden，asitwere，behindthehovelwhichadjoinsthehighwaytoNivelles，attheangleoftheroadfromMont—Saint—JeantoBrainel’Alleud；
　　andinthewagon，asortofwomanseatedoncoffersandpackages。
　　Perhapstherewassomeconnectionbetweenthatwagonandthatprowler。
　　Thedarknesswasserene。Notacloudinthezenith。Whatmattersitiftheearthbered！themoonremainswhite；thesearetheindifferencesofthesky。Inthefields，branchesoftreesbrokenbygrape—shot，butnotfallen，upheldbytheirbark，swayedgentlyinthebreezeofnight。Abreath，almostarespiration，movedtheshrubbery。
　　Quiverswhichresembledthedepartureofsoulsranthroughthegrass。
　　InthedistancethecomingandgoingofpatrolsandthegeneralroundsoftheEnglishcampwereaudible。
　　HougomontandLaHaie—Saintecontinuedtoburn，forming，oneinthewest，theotherintheeast，twogreatflameswhichwerejoinedbythecordonofbivouacfiresoftheEnglish，likeanecklaceofrubieswithtwocarbunclesattheextremities，astheyextendedinanimmensesemicircleoverthehillsalongthehorizon。
　　WehavedescribedthecatastropheoftheroadofOhain。Theheartisterrifiedatthethoughtofwhatthatdeathmusthavebeentosomanybravemen。
　　Ifthereisanythingterrible，ifthereexistsarealitywhichsurpassesdreams，itisthis:tolive，toseethesun；tobeinfullpossessionofvirileforce；topossesshealthandjoy；tolaughvaliantly；
　　torushtowardsaglorywhichoneseesdazzlinginfrontofone；
　　tofeelinone’sbreastlungswhichbreathe，aheartwhichbeats，awillwhichreasons；tospeak，think，hope，love；tohaveamother，tohaveawife，tohavechildren；tohavethelight——andallatonce，inthespaceofashout，inlessthanaminute，tosinkintoanabyss；
　　tofall，toroll，tocrush，tobecrushed；toseeearsofwheat，flowers，leaves，branches；nottobeabletocatchholdofanything；
　　tofeelone’ssworduseless，menbeneathone，horsesontopofone；
　　tostruggleinvain，sinceone’sboneshavebeenbrokenbysomekickinthedarkness；tofeelaheelwhichmakesone’seyesstartfromtheirsockets；tobitehorses’shoesinone’srage；tostifle，toyell，towrithe；tobebeneath，andtosaytoone’sself，"ButjustalittlewhileagoIwasalivingman！"
　　There，wherethatlamentabledisasterhaduttereditsdeath—rattle，allwassilencenow。Theedgesofthehollowroadwereencumberedwithhorsesandriders，inextricablyheapedup。Terribleentanglement！
　　Therewasnolongeranyslope，forthecorpseshadlevelledtheroadwiththeplain，andreachedthebrimlikeawell—filledbushelofbarley。Aheapofdeadbodiesintheupperpart，ariverofbloodinthelowerpart——suchwasthatroadontheeveningofthe18thofJune，1815。ThebloodraneventotheNivelleshighway，andthereoverflowedinalargepoolinfrontoftheabatisoftreeswhichbarredtheway，ataspotwhichisstillpointedout。
　　Itwillberememberedthatitwasattheoppositepoint，inthedirectionoftheGenapperoad，thatthedestructionofthecuirassiershadtakenplace。Thethicknessofthelayerofbodieswasproportionedtothedepthofthehollowroad。
　　Towardsthemiddle，atthepointwhereitbecamelevel，whereDelort’sdivisionhadpassed，thelayerofcorpseswasthinner。
　　Thenocturnalprowlerwhomwehavejustshowntothereaderwasgoinginthatdirection。Hewassearchingthatvasttomb。
　　Hegazedabout。Hepassedthedeadinsomesortofhideousreview。
　　Hewalkedwithhisfeetintheblood。
　　Allatoncehepaused。
　　Afewpacesinfrontofhim，inthehollowroad，atthepointwherethepileofdeadcametoanend，anopenhand，illuminedbythemoon，projectedfrombeneaththatheapofmen。Thathandhadonitsfingersomethingsparkling，whichwasaringofgold。
　　Themanbentover，remainedinacrouchingattitudeforamoment，andwhenherosetherewasnolongeraringonthehand。
　　Hedidnotpreciselyrise；heremainedinastoopingandfrightenedattitude，withhisbackturnedtotheheapofdead，scanningthehorizononhisknees，withthewholeupperportionofhisbodysupportedonhistwoforefingers，whichrestedontheearth，andhisheadpeeringabovetheedgeofthehollowroad。
　　Thejackal’sfourpawssuitsomeactions。
　　Thencomingtoadecision，herosetohisfeet。
　　Atthatmoment，hegaveaterriblestart。Hefeltsomeoneclutchhimfrombehind。
　　Hewheeledround；itwastheopenhand，whichhadclosed，andhadseizedtheskirtofhiscoat。
　　Anhonestmanwouldhavebeenterrified；thismanburstintoalaugh。
　　"Come，"saidhe，"it’sonlyadeadbody。Ipreferaspooktoagendarme。"
　　Butthehandweakenedandreleasedhim。Effortisquicklyexhaustedinthegrave。
　　"Wellnow，"saidtheprowler，"isthatdeadfellowalive？
　　Let’ssee。"
　　Hebentdownagain，fumbledamongtheheap，pushedasideeverythingthatwasinhisway，seizedthehand，graspedthearm，freedthehead，pulledoutthebody，andafewmomentslaterhewasdraggingthelifeless，oratleasttheunconscious，man，throughtheshadowsofhollowroad。Hewasacuirassier，anofficer，andevenanofficerofconsiderablerank；alargegoldepaulettepeepedfrombeneaththecuirass；thisofficernolongerpossessedahelmet。Afurioussword—cuthadscarredhisface，wherenothingwasdiscerniblebutblood。
　　However，hedidnotappeartohaveanybrokenlimbs，and，bysomehappychance，ifthatwordispermissiblehere，thedeadhadbeenvaultedabovehiminsuchamannerastopreservehimfrombeingcrushed。
　　Hiseyeswerestillclosed。
　　OnhiscuirassheworethesilvercrossoftheLegionofHonor。
　　Theprowlertoreoffthiscross，whichdisappearedintooneofthegulfswhichhehadbeneathhisgreatcoat。
　　Thenhefeltoftheofficer’sfob，discoveredawatchthere，andtookpossessionofit。Nexthesearchedhiswaistcoat，foundapurseandpocketedit。
　　Whenhehadarrivedatthisstageofsuccorwhichhewasadministeringtothisdyingman，theofficeropenedhiseyes。
　　"Thanks，"hesaidfeebly。
　　Theabruptnessofthemovementsofthemanwhowasmanipulatinghim，thefreshnessofthenight，theairwhichhecouldinhalefreely，hadrousedhimfromhislethargy。
　　Theprowlermadenoreply。Heraisedhishead。Asoundoffootstepswasaudibleintheplain；somepatrolwasprobablyapproaching。
　　Theofficermurmured，forthedeathagonywasstillinhisvoice:——
　　"Whowonthebattle？"
　　"TheEnglish，"answeredtheprowler。
　　Theofficerwenton:——
　　"Lookinmypockets；youwillfindawatchandapurse。Takethem。"
　　Itwasalreadydone。
　　Theprowlerexecutedtherequiredfeint，andsaid:——
　　"Thereisnothingthere。"
　　"Ihavebeenrobbed，"saidtheofficer；"Iamsorryforthat。
　　Youshouldhavehadthem。"
　　Thestepsofthepatrolbecamemoreandmoredistinct。
　　"Someoneiscoming，"saidtheprowler，withthemovementofamanwhoistakinghisdeparture。
　　Theofficerraisedhisarmfeebly，anddetainedhim。
　　"Youhavesavedmylife。Whoareyou？"
　　Theprowleransweredrapidly，andinalowvoice:——
　　"Likeyourself，IbelongedtotheFrencharmy。Imustleaveyou。
　　Iftheyweretocatchme，theywouldshootme。Ihavesavedyourlife。
　　Nowgetoutofthescrapeyourself。"
　　"Whatisyourrank？"
　　"Sergeant。"
　　"Whatisyourname？"
　　"Thenardier。"
　　"Ishallnotforgetthatname，"saidtheofficer；"anddoyouremembermine。MynameisPontmercy。"
　　BOOKSECOND。——THESHIPORION
　　CHAPTERI
　　NUMBER24，601BECOMESNUMBER9，430
　　JeanValjeanhadbeenrecaptured。
　　Thereaderwillbegratefultousifwepassrapidlyoverthesaddetails。Wewillconfineourselvestotranscribingtwoparagraphspublishedbythejournalsofthatday，afewmonthsafterthesurprisingeventswhichhadtakenplaceatM。surM。
　　Thesearticlesarerathersummary。Itmustberemembered，thatatthatepochtheGazettedesTribunauxwasnotyetinexistence。
　　WeborrowthefirstfromtheDrapeauBlanc。ItbearsthedateofJuly25，1823。
　　AnarrondissementofthePasdeCalaishasjustbeenthetheatreofaneventquiteoutoftheordinarycourse。Aman，whowasastrangerintheDepartment，andwhoborethenameofM。Madeleine，had，thankstothenewmethods，resuscitatedsomeyearsagoanancientlocalindustry，themanufactureofjetandofblackglasstrinkets。Hehadmadehisfortuneinthebusiness，andthatofthearrondissementaswell，wewilladmit。Hehadbeenappointedmayor，inrecognitionofhisservices。ThepolicediscoveredthatM。Madeleinewasnootherthananex—convictwhohadbrokenhisban，condemnedin1796fortheft，andnamedJeanValjean。
　　JeanValjeanhasbeenrecommittedtoprison。ItappearsthatprevioustohisarresthehadsucceededinwithdrawingfromthehandsofM。Laffitte，asumofoverhalfamillionwhichhehadlodgedthere，andwhichhehad，moreover，andbyperfectlylegitimatemeans，acquiredinhisbusiness。NoonehasbeenabletodiscoverwhereJeanValjeanhasconcealedthismoneysincehisreturntoprisonatToulon。
　　Thesecondarticle，whichentersalittlemoreintodetail，isanextractfromtheJournaldeParis，ofthesamedate。
　　Aformerconvict，whohadbeenliberated，namedJeanValjean，hasjustappearedbeforetheCourtofAssizesoftheVar，undercircumstancescalculatedtoattractattention。Thiswretchhadsucceededinescapingthevigilanceofthepolice，hehadchangedhisname，andhadsucceededingettinghimselfappointedmayorofoneofoursmallnortherntowns；inthistownhehadestablishedaconsiderablecommerce。Hehasatlastbeenunmaskedandarrested，thankstotheindefatigablezealofthepublicprosecutor。
　　Hehadforhisconcubineawomanofthetown，whodiedofashockatthemomentofhisarrest。Thisscoundrel，whoisendowedwithHerculeanstrength，foundmeanstoescape；butthreeorfourdaysafterhisflightthepolicelaidtheirhandsonhimoncemore，inParisitself，attheverymomentwhenhewasenteringoneofthoselittlevehicleswhichrunbetweenthecapitalandthevillageofMontfermeil（Seine—et—Oise）。Heissaidtohaveprofitedbythisintervalofthreeorfourdaysofliberty，towithdrawaconsiderablesumdepositedbyhimwithoneofourleadingbankers。
　　Thissumhasbeenestimatedatsixorsevenhundredthousandfrancs。
　　Iftheindictmentistobetrusted，hehashiddenitinsomeplaceknowntohimselfalone，andithasnotbeenpossibletolayhandsonit。Howeverthatmaybe，thesaidJeanValjeanhasjustbeenbroughtbeforetheAssizesoftheDepartmentoftheVarasaccusedofhighwayrobberyaccompaniedwithviolence，abouteightyearsago，onthepersonofoneofthosehonestchildrenwho，asthepatriarchofFerneyhassaid，inimmortalverse，"……ArrivefromSavoyeveryyear，Andwho，withgentlehands，doclearThoselongcanalschokedupwithsoot。"
　　Thisbanditrefusedtodefendhimself。Itwasprovedbytheskilfulandeloquentrepresentativeofthepublicprosecutor，thatthetheftwascommittedincomplicitywithothers，andthatJeanValjeanwasamemberofabandofrobbersinthesouth。
　　JeanValjeanwaspronouncedguiltyandwascondemnedtothedeathpenaltyinconsequence。Thiscriminalrefusedtolodgeanappeal。
　　Theking，inhisinexhaustibleclemency，hasdeignedtocommutehispenaltytothatofpenalservitudeforlife。JeanValjeanwasimmediatelytakentotheprisonatToulon。
　　ThereaderhasnotforgottenthatJeanValjeanhadreligioushabitsatM。surM。Somepapers，amongotherstheConstitutional，presentedthiscommutationasatriumphofthepriestlyparty。
　　JeanValjeanchangedhisnumberinthegalleys。Hewascalled9，430。
　　However，andwewillmentionitatonceinorderthatwemaynotbeobligedtorecurtothesubject，theprosperityofM。surM。vanishedwithM。Madeleine；allthathehadforeseenduringhisnightoffeverandhesitationwasrealized；lackinghim，thereactuallywasasoullacking。Afterthisfall，theretookplaceatM。surM。thategotisticaldivisionofgreatexistenceswhichhavefallen，thatfataldismembermentofflourishingthingswhichisaccomplishedeveryday，obscurely，inthehumancommunity，andwhichhistoryhasnotedonlyonce，becauseitoccurredafterthedeathofAlexander。
　　Lieutenantsarecrownedkings；superintendentsimprovisemanufacturersoutofthemselves。Enviousrivalriesarose。M。Madeleine’svastworkshopswereshut；hisbuildingsfelltoruin，hisworkmenwerescattered。Someofthemquittedthecountry，othersabandonedthetrade。Thenceforth，everythingwasdoneonasmallscale，insteadofonagrandscale；forlucreinsteadofthegeneralgood。
　　Therewasnolongeracentre；everywheretherewascompetitionandanimosity。M。Madeleinehadreignedoverallanddirectedall。
　　Nosoonerhadhefallen，thaneachpulledthingstohimself；
　　thespiritofcombatsucceededtothespiritoforganization，bitternesstocordiality，hatredofoneanothertothebenevolenceofthefoundertowardsall；thethreadswhichM。Madeleinehadsetweretangledandbroken，themethodswereadulterated，theproductsweredebased，confidencewaskilled；themarketdiminished，forlackoforders；salarieswerereduced，theworkshopsstoodstill，bankruptcyarrived。Andthentherewasnothingmoreforthepoor。
　　Allhadvanished。
　　Thestateitselfperceivedthatsomeonehadbeencrushedsomewhere。
　　LessthanfouryearsafterthejudgmentoftheCourtofAssizesestablishingtheidentityofJeanValjeanandM。Madeleine，forthebenefitofthegalleys，thecostofcollectingtaxeshaddoubledinthearrondissementofM。surM。；andM。deVillelecalledattentiontothefactintherostrum，inthemonthofFebruary，1827。
　　CHAPTERII
　　INWHICHTHEREADERWILLPERUSETWOVERSES，WHICHAREOFTHE
　　DEVIL’SCOMPOSITION，POSSIBLY
　　Beforeproceedingfurther，itwillbetothepurposetonarrateinsomedetail，asingularoccurrencewhichtookplaceataboutthesameepoch，inMontfermeil，andwhichisnotlackingincoincidencewithcertainconjecturesoftheindictment。
　　ThereexistsintheregionofMontfermeilaveryancientsuperstition，whichisallthemorecuriousandallthemoreprecious，becauseapopularsuperstitioninthevicinityofParisislikeanaloeinSiberia。
　　Weareamongthosewhorespecteverythingwhichisinthenatureofarareplant。Here，then，isthesuperstitionofMontfermeil:
　　itisthoughtthatthedevil，fromtimeimmemorial，hasselectedtheforestasahiding—placeforhistreasures。Goodwivesaffirmthatitisnoraritytoencounteratnightfall，insecludednooksoftheforest，ablackmanwiththeairofacarterorawood—chopper，wearingwoodenshoes，cladintrousersandablouseoflinen，andrecognizablebythefact，that，insteadofacaporhat，hehastwoimmensehornsonhishead。Thisought，infact，torenderhimrecognizable。Thismanishabituallyengagedindiggingahole。
　　Therearethreewaysofprofitingbysuchanencounter。Thefirstistoapproachthemanandspeaktohim。Thenitisseenthatthemanissimplyapeasant，thatheappearsblackbecauseitisnightfall；
　　thatheisnotdigginganyholewhatever，butiscuttinggrassforhiscows，andthatwhathadbeentakenforhornsisnothingbutadung—forkwhichheiscarryingonhisback，andwhoseteeth，thankstotheperspectiveofevening，seemedtospringfromhishead。
　　Themanreturnshomeanddieswithintheweek。Thesecondwayistowatchhim，towaituntilhehasdughishole，untilhehasfilleditandhasgoneaway；thentorunwithgreatspeedtothetrench，toopenitoncemoreandtoseizethe"treasure"whichtheblackmanhasnecessarilyplacedthere。Inthiscaseonedieswithinthemonth。Finally，thelastmethodisnottospeaktotheblackman，nottolookathim，andtofleeatthebestspeedofone’slegs。
　　Onethendieswithintheyear。