\"\'ButI\'llwaittwentyyears，ifshe\'llhaveme，\'sayshe。\'I\'llnevermarry——no，never，never，never，marryanybodybuther。No，notaprincess，thoughtheywouldhavemedoiteverso。IfBeatrixwillwaitforme，herBlandfordswearshewillbefaithful。\'Andhewroteapaper（itwasn\'tspeltright，forhewrote\'I\'mreadytoSINEWITHMYBLODE，\'which，youknow，Harry，isn\'tthewayofspellingit），andvowingthathewouldmarrynoneotherbuttheHonorableMistressGertrudeBeatrixEsmond，onlysisterofhisdearestfriendFrancisJames，fourthViscountEsmond。
AndsoIgavehimalocketofherhair。\"
\"Alocketofherhair？\"criesEsmond。
\"Yes。TrixgavemeoneafterthefightwiththeDuchessthatveryday。IamsureIdidn\'twantit;andsoIgaveithim，andwekissedatparting，andsaid——\'Good—by，brother。\'AndIgotbackthroughthegutter;andwesetoffhomethatveryevening。AndhewenttoKing\'sCollege，inCambridge，andI\'MgoingtoCambridgesoon;andifhedoesn\'tstandtohispromise（forhe\'sonlywroteonce），——heknowsIwearasword，Harry。Comealong，andlet\'sgoseethecocking—matchatWinchester。
\"……ButIsay，\"headded，laughing，afterapause，\"Idon\'tthinkTrixwillbreakherheartabouthim。Lablessyou！wheneversheseesaman，shemakeseyesathim;andyoungSirWilmotCrawleyofQueen\'sCrawley，andAnthonyHenleyofAiresford，wereatswordsdrawnabouther，attheWinchesterAssembly，amonthago。\"
ThatnightMr。Harry\'ssleepwasbynomeanssopleasantorsweetasithadbeenonthefirsttwoeveningsafterhisarrivalatWalcote。\"Sothebrighteyeshavebeenalreadyshiningonanother，\"thoughthe，\"andtheprettylips，orthecheeksatanyrate，havebeguntheworkwhichtheyweremadefor。Here\'sagirlnotsixteen，andoneyounggentlemanisalreadywhimperingoveralockofherhair，andtwocountrysquiresarereadytocuteachother\'sthroatsthattheymayhavethehonorofadancewithher。
WhatafoolamItobedallyingaboutthispassion，andsingeingmywingsinthisfoolishflame。Wings！——whynotsaycrutches？\'Thereisbuteightyears\'differencebetweenus，tobesure;butinlifeIamthirtyyearsolder。HowcouldIeverhopetopleasesuchasweetcreatureasthat，withmyroughwaysandglumface？SaythatIhavemeriteversomuch，andwonmyselfaname，couldsheeverlistentome？ShemustbemyLadyMarchioness，andIremainanamelessbastard。Oh！mymaster，mymaster！\"（herehefelltothinkingwithapassionategriefofthevowwhichhehadmadetohispoordyinglord。）\"Oh！mymistress，dearestandkindest，willyoubecontentedwiththesacrificewhichthepoororphanmakesforyou，whomyoulove，andwhosolovesyou？\"
Andthencameafiercerpangoftemptation。\"Awordfromme，\"
Harrythought，\"asyllableofexplanation，andallthismightbechanged;butno，Isworeitoverthedyingbedofmybenefactor。
Forthesakeofhimandhis;forthesacredloveandkindnessofolddays;Igavemypromisetohim，andmaykindheavenenablemetokeepmyvow！\"
Thenextday，althoughEsmondgavenosignofwhatwasgoingoninhismind，butstrovetobemorethanordinarilygayandcheerfulwhenhemethisfriendsatthemorningmeal，hisdearmistress，whosecleareyesitseemednoemotionofhiscouldescape，perceivedthatsomethingtroubledhim，forshelookedanxiouslytowardshimmorethanonceduringthebreakfast，andwhenhewentuptohischamberafterwardsshepresentlyfollowedhim，andknockedathisdoor。
Assheentered，nodoubtthewholestorywascleartoheratonce，forshefoundouryounggentlemanpackinghisvalise，pursuanttotheresolutionwhichhehadcometoover—nightofmakingabriskretreatoutofthistemptation。
Sheclosedthedoorverycarefullybehindher，andthenleantagainstit，verypale，herhandsfoldedbeforeher，lookingattheyoungman，whowaskneelingoverhisworkofpacking。\"Areyougoingsosoon？\"shesaid。
Heroseupfromhisknees，blushing，perhaps，tobesodiscovered，intheveryact，asitwere，andtookoneofherfairlittlehands——
itwasthatwhichhadhermarriageringon——andkissedit。
\"Itisbestthatitshouldbeso，dearestlady，\"hesaid。
\"Iknewyouweregoing，atbreakfast。I——Ithoughtyoumightstay。
Whathashappened？Whycan\'tyouremainlongerwithus？WhathasFranktoldyou——youweretalkingtogetherlatelastnight？\"
\"Ihadbutthreedays\'leavefromChelsey，\"Esmondsaid，asgaylyashecould。\"Myaunt——sheletsmecallheraunt——ismymistressnow！Iowehermylieutenancyandmylacedcoat。Shehastakenmeintohighfavor;andmynewGeneralistodineatChelseyto—
morrow——GeneralLumley，madam——whohasappointedmehisaide—de—
camp，andonwhomImusthavethehonorofwaiting。See，hereisaletterfromtheDowager;thepostbroughtitlastnight;andI
wouldnotspeakofit，forfearofdisturbingourlastmerrymeeting。\"
Myladyglancedattheletter，andputitdownwithasmilethatwassomewhatcontemptuous。\"Ihavenoneedtoreadtheletter，\"
saysshe——（indeed，\'twasaswellshedidnot;fortheChelseymissive，inthepoorDowager\'susualFrenchjargon，permittedhimalongerholidaythanhesaid。\"Jevousdonne，\"quothherladyship，\"ouijour，pourvousfatigayparfaictementdevosparensfatigans\"）——\"Ihavenoneedtoreadtheletter，\"saysshe。\"WhatwasitFranktoldyoulastnight？\"
\"HetoldmelittleIdidnotknow，\"Mr。Esmondanswered。\"ButI
havethoughtofthatlittle，andhere\'stheresult:IhavenorighttothenameIbear，dearlady;anditisonlybyyoursufferancethatIamallowedtokeepit。IfIthoughtforanhourofwhathasperhapscrossedyourmindtoo——\"
\"Yes，Idid，Harry，\"saidshe;\"Ithoughtofit;andthinkofit。
IwouldsoonercallyoumysonthanthegreatestprinceinEurope——
yes，thanthegreatestprince。Forwhoistheresogoodandsobrave，andwhowouldloveherasyouwould？Buttherearereasonsamothercan\'ttell。\"
\"Iknowthem，\"saidMr。Esmond，interruptingherwithasmile。\"I
knowthere\'sSirWilmotCrawleyofQueen\'sCrawley，andMr。AnthonyHenleyoftheGrange，andmyLordMarquisofBlandford，thatseemstobethefavoredsuitor。YoushallaskmetowearmyLadyMarchioness\'sfavorsandtodanceatherladyship\'swedding。\"
\"Oh！Harry，Harry，itisnoneofthesefolliesthatfrightenme，\"
criedoutLadyCastlewood。\"LordChurchillisbutachild，hisoutbreakaboutBeatrixwasamereboyishfolly。Hisparentswouldratherseehimburiedthanmarriedtoonebelowhiminrank。AnddoyouthinkthatIwouldstooptosueforahusbandforFrancisEsmond\'sdaughter;orsubmittohavemygirlsmuggledintothatproudfamilytocauseaquarrelbetweensonandparents，andtobetreatedonlyasaninferior？Iwoulddisdainsuchameanness。
Beatrixwouldscornit。Ah！Henry，\'tisnotwithyouthefaultlies，\'tiswithher。Iknowyouboth，andloveyou:needIbeashamedofthatlovenow？No，never，never，and\'tisnotyou，dearHarry，thatisunworthy。\'TisformypoorBeatrixItremble——whoseheadstrongwillfrightensme;whosejealoustemper（theysayIwasjealoustoo，but，prayGod，Iamcuredofthatsin）andwhosevanitynowordsorprayersofminecancure——onlysuffering，onlyexperience，andremorseafterwards。Oh！Henry，shewillmakenomanhappywholovesher。Goaway，myson:leaveher:loveusalways，andthinkkindlyofus:andforme，mydear，youknowthatthesewallscontainallthatIloveintheworld。\"
Inafterlife，didEsmondfindthewordstruewhichhisfondmistressspokefromhersadheart？Warninghehad:butIdoubtothershadwarningbeforehistime，andsince:andhebenefitedbyitasmostmendo。
MyyoungLordViscountwasexceedingsorrywhenheheardthatHarrycouldnotcometothecock—matchwithhim，andmustgotoLondon，butnodoubtmylordconsoledhimselfwhentheHampshirecockswonthematch;andhesaweveryoneofthebattles，andcrowedproperlyovertheconqueredSussexgentlemen。
AsEsmondrodetowardstownhisservant，cominguptohim，informedhimwithagrin，thatMistressBeatrixhadbroughtoutanewgownandbluestockingsforthatday\'sdinner，inwhichsheintendedtoappear，andhadflownintoarageandgivenhermaidaslaponthefacesoonaftersheheardhewasgoingaway。MistressBeatrix\'swoman，thefellowsaid，camedowntotheservants\'hallcrying，andwiththemarkofablowstillonhercheek:butEsmondperemptorilyorderedhimtofallbackandbesilent，androdeonwiththoughtsenoughofhisowntooccupyhim——somesadones，someinexpressiblydearandpleasant。
Hismistress，fromwhomhehadbeenayearseparated，washisdearestmistressagain。Thefamilyfromwhichhehadbeenparted，andwhichhelovedwiththefondestdevotion，washisfamilyoncemore。IfBeatrix\'sbeautyshoneuponhim，itwaswithafriendlylustre，andhecouldregarditwithmuchsuchadelightashebroughtawayafterseeingthebeautifulpicturesofthesmilingMadonnasintheconventatCadiz，whenhewasdespatchedthitherwithaflag;andasforhismistress，\'twasdifficulttosaywithwhatafeelingheregardedher。\'Twashappinesstohaveseenher;
\'twasnogreatpangtopart;afilialtenderness，alovethatwasatoncerespectandprotection，filledhismindashethoughtofher;andnearherorfarfromher，andfromthatdayuntilnow，andfromnowtilldeathispastandbeyondit，hepraysthatsacredflamemayeverburn。
CHAPTERIX。
IMAKETHECAMPAIGNOF1704。
Mr。EsmondrodeuptoLondonthen，where，iftheDowagerhadbeenangryattheabruptleaveofabsencehetook，shewasmightilypleasedathisspeedyreturn。
Hewentimmediatelyandpaidhiscourttohisnewgeneral，GeneralLumley，whoreceivedhimgraciously，havingknownhisfather，andalso，hewaspleasedtosay，havinghadtheverybestaccountsofMr。Esmondfromtheofficerwhoseaide—de—camphehadbeenatVigo。
DuringthiswinterMr。EsmondwasgazettedtoalieutenancyinBrigadierWebb\'sregimentofFusileers，thenwiththeircolonelinFlanders;butbeingnowattachedtothesuiteofMr。Lumley，Esmonddidnotjoinhisownregimentuntilmorethanayearafterwards，andafterhisreturnfromthecampaignofBlenheim，whichwasfoughtthenextyear。Thecampaignbeganveryearly，ourtroopsmarchingoutoftheirquartersbeforethewinterwasalmostover，andinvestingthecityofBonn，ontheRhine，undertheDuke\'scommand。HisGracejoinedthearmyindeepgriefofmind，withcrapeonhissleeve，andhishouseholdinmourning;andtheverysamepacketwhichbroughttheCommander—in—Chiefover，broughtletterstotheforceswhichprecededhim，andonefromhisdearmistresstoEsmond，whichinterestedhimnotalittle。
TheyoungMarquisofBlandford，hisGrace\'sson，whohadbeenenteredinKing\'sCollegeinCambridge，（whithermyLordViscounthadalsogone，toTrinity，withMr。Tusherashisgovernor，）hadbeenseizedwithsmall—pox，andwasdeadatsixteenyearsofage，andsopoorFrank\'sschemesforhissister\'sadvancementwereover，andthatinnocentchildishpassionnippedinthebirth。
Esmond\'smistresswouldhavehadhimreturn，atleastherlettershintedasmuch;butinthepresenceoftheenemythiswasimpossible，andouryoungmantookhishumbleshareinthesiege，whichneednotbedescribedhere，andhadthegoodlucktoescapewithoutawoundofanysort，andtodrinkhisgeneral\'shealthafterthesurrender。Hewasinconstantmilitarydutythisyear，anddidnotthinkofaskingforaleaveofabsence，asoneortwoofhislessfortunatefriendsdid，whowerecastawayinthattremendousstormwhichhappenedtowardsthecloseofNovember，that\"whichoflateo\'erpaleBritanniapast\"（asMr。Addisonsangofit），andinwhichscoresofourgreatestshipsand15，000ofourseamenwentdown。
TheysaidthatourDukewasquiteheart—brokenbythecalamitywhichhadbefallenhisfamily;buthisenemiesfoundthathecouldsubduethem，aswellasmasterhisgrief。SuccessfulashadbeenthisgreatGeneral\'soperationsinthepastyear，theywerefarenhancedbythesplendorofhisvictoryintheensuingcampaign。
HisGracetheCaptain—GeneralwenttoEnglandafterBonn，andourarmyfellbackintoHolland，where，inApril1704，hisGraceagainfoundthetroops，embarkingfromHarwichandlandingatMaeslandSluys:thencehisGracecameimmediatelytotheHague，wherehereceivedtheforeignministers，generalofficers，andotherpeopleofquality。ThegreatesthonorswerepaidtohisGraceeverywhere——
attheHague，Utrecht，Ruremonde，andMaestricht;thecivilauthoritiescomingtomeethiscoaches:salvosofcannonsalutinghim，canopiesofstatebeingerectedforhimwherehestopped，andfeastspreparedforthenumerousgentlemenfollowinginhissuite。
HisGracereviewedthetroopsoftheStates—GeneralbetweenLiegeandMaestricht，andafterwardstheEnglishforces，underthecommandofGeneralChurchill，nearBois—le—Duc。Everypreparationwasmadeforalongmarch;andthearmyheard，withnosmallelation，thatitwastheCommander—in—Chief\'sintentiontocarrythewaroutoftheLowCountries，andtomarchontheMozelle。
BeforeleavingourcampatMaestricht，weheardthattheFrench，undertheMarshalVilleroy，werealsoboundtowardstheMozelle。
TowardstheendofMay，thearmyreachedCoblentz;andnextday，hisGrace，andthegeneralsaccompanyinghim，wenttovisittheElectorofTrevesathisCastleofEhrenbreitstein，thehorseanddragoonspassingtheRhinewhilsttheDukewasentertainedatagrandfeastbytheElector。Allasyetwasnovelty，festivity，andsplendor——abrilliantmarchofagreatandgloriousarmythroughafriendlycountry，andsurethroughsomeofthemostbeautifulscenesofnaturewhichIeverwitnessed。
Thefootandartillery，followingafterthehorseasquickaspossible，crossedtheRhineunderEhrenbreitstein，andsotoCastel，overagainstMayntz，inwhichcityhisGrace，hisgenerals，andhisretinuewerereceivedatthelanding—placebytheElector\'scoaches，carriedtohisHighness\'spalaceamidstthethunderofcannon，andthenoncemoremagnificentlyentertained。Gidlingen，inBavaria，wasappointedasthegeneralrendezvousofthearmy，andthither，bydifferentroutes，thewholeforcesofEnglish，Dutch，Danes，andGermanauxiliariestooktheirway。ThefootandartilleryunderGeneralChurchillpassedtheNeckar，atHeidelberg;
andEsmondhadanopportunityofseeingthatcityandpalace，oncesofamousandbeautiful（thoughshatteredandbatteredbytheFrench，underTurenne，inthelatewar），wherehisgrandsirehadservedthebeautifulandunfortunateElectress—Palatine，thefirstKingCharles\'ssister。
AtMindelsheim，thefamousPrinceofSavoycametovisitourcommander，allofuscrowdingeagerlytogetasightofthatbrilliantandintrepidwarrior;andourtroopsweredrawnupinbattaliabeforethePrince，whowaspleasedtoexpresshisadmirationofthisnobleEnglisharmy。AtlengthwecameinsightoftheenemybetweenDillingenandLawingen，theBrentzlyingbetweenthetwoarmies。TheElector，judgingthatDonauwortwouldbethepointofhisGrace\'sattack，sentastrongdetachmentofhisbesttroopstoCountDarcos，whowaspostedatSchellenberg，nearthatplace，wheregreatintrenchmentswerethrownup，andthousandsofpioneersemployedtostrengthentheposition。
Onthe2ndofJulyhisGracestormedthepost，withwhatsuccessonourpartneedscarcebetold。HisGraceadvancedwithsixthousandfoot，EnglishandDutch，thirtysquadrons，andthreeregimentsofImperialCuirassiers，theDukecrossingtheriverattheheadofthecavalry。Althoughourtroopsmadetheattackwithunparalleledcourageandfury——rushinguptotheverygunsoftheenemy，andbeingslaughteredbeforetheirworks——weweredrivenbackmanytimes，andshouldnothavecarriedthem，butthattheImperialistscameupunderthePrinceofBaden，whentheenemycouldmakenoheadagainstus:wepursuedthemintothetrenches，makingaterribleslaughterthere，andintotheveryDanube，whereagreatpartofhistroops，followingtheexampleoftheirgenerals，CountDarcosandtheElectorhimself，triedtosavethemselvesbyswimming。OurarmyenteredDonauwort，whichtheBavariansevacuated;andwhere\'twassaidtheElectorpurposedtohavegivenusawarmreception，byburningusinourbeds;thecellarsofthehouses，whenwetookpossessionofthem，beingfoundstuffedwithstraw。Butthoughthelinkswerethere，thelink—boyshadrunaway。Thetownsmensavedtheirhouses，andourGeneraltookpossessionoftheenemy\'sammunitioninthearsenals，hisstores，andmagazines。Fivedaysafterwardsagreat\"TeDeum\"wassunginPrinceLewis\'sarmy，andasolemndayofthanksgivingheldinourown;thePrinceofSavoy\'scomplimentscomingtohisGracetheCaptain—Generalduringtheday\'sreligiousceremony，andconcluding，asitwere，withanAmen。
Andnow，havingseenagreatmilitarymarchthroughafriendlycountry;thepompsandfestivitiesofmorethanoneGermancourt;
theseverestruggleofahotlycontestedbattle，andthetriumphofvictory，Mr。Esmondbeheldanotherpartofmilitaryduty:ourtroopsenteringtheenemy\'sterritory，andputtingallaroundthemtofireandsword;burningfarms，wastedfields，shriekingwomen，slaughteredsonsandfathers，anddrunkensoldiery，cursingandcarousinginthemidstoftears，terror，andmurder。WhydoesthestatelyMuseofHistory，thatdelightsindescribingthevalorofheroesandthegrandeurofconquest，leaveoutthesescenes，sobrutal，mean，anddegrading，thatyetformbyfarthegreaterpartofthedramaofwar？You，gentlemenofEngland，wholiveathomeatease，andcomplimentyourselvesinthesongsoftriumphwithwhichourchieftainsarebepraised——youprettymaidens，thatcometumblingdownthestairswhenthefifeanddrumcallyou，andhuzzahfortheBritishGrenadiers——doyoutakeaccountthattheseitemsgotomakeuptheamountofthetriumphyouadmire，andformpartofthedutiesoftheheroesyoufondle？Ourchief，whomEnglandandallEurope，savingonlytheFrenchmen，worshippedalmost，hadthisofthegodlikeinhim，thathewasimpassiblebeforevictory，beforedanger，beforedefeat。Beforethegreatestobstacleorthemosttrivialceremony;beforeahundredthousandmendrawninbattalia，orapeasantslaughteredatthedoorofhisburninghovel;beforeacarouseofdrunkenGermanlords，oramonarch\'scourtoracottagetable，wherehisplanswerelaid，oranenemy\'sbattery，vomitingflameanddeath，andstrewingcorpsesroundabouthim;——hewasalwayscold，calm，resolute，likefate。
Heperformedatreasonoracourt—bow，hetoldafalsehoodasblackasStyx，aseasilyashepaidacomplimentorspokeabouttheweather。Hetookamistress，andlefther;hebetrayedhisbenefactor，andsupportedhim，orwouldhavemurderedhim，withthesamecalmnessalways，andhavingnomoreremorsethanClothowhensheweavesthethread，orLachesiswhenshecutsit。InthehourofbattleIhaveheardthePrinceofSavoy\'sofficerssay，thePrincebecamepossessedwithasortofwarlikefury;hiseyeslightedup;herushedhitherandthither，raging;heshriekedcursesandencouragement，yellingandharkinghisbloodywar—dogson，andhimselfalwaysatthefirstofthehunt。Ourdukewasascalmatthemouthofthecannonasatthedoorofadrawing—room。
Perhapshecouldnothavebeenthegreatmanhewas，hadhehadahearteitherforloveorhatred，orpityorfear，orregretorremorse。Heachievedthehighestdeedofdaring，ordeepestcalculationofthought，asheperformedtheverymeanestactionofwhichamaniscapable;toldalie，orcheatedafondwoman，orrobbedapoorbeggarofahalfpenny，withalikeawfulserenityandequalcapacityofthehighestandlowestactsofournature。
Hisqualitieswereprettywellknowninthearmy，wheretherewerepartiesofallpolitics，andofplentyofshrewdnessandwit;butthereexistedsuchaperfectconfidenceinhim，asthefirstcaptainoftheworld，andsuchafaithandadmirationinhisprodigiousgeniusandfortune，thattheverymenwhomhenotoriouslycheatedoftheirpay，thechiefswhomheusedandinjured——（forheusedallmen，greatandsmall，thatcamenearhim，ashisinstrumentsalike，andtooksomethingoftheirs，eithersomequalityorsomeproperty——thebloodofasoldier，itmightbe，orajewelledhat，orahundredthousandcrownsfromaking，oraportionoutofastarvingsentinel\'sthree—farthings;or（whenhewasyoung）akissfromawoman，andthegoldchainoffherneck，takingallhecouldfromwomanorman，andhaving，asIhavesaid，thisofthegodlikeinhim，thathecouldseeaheroperishorasparrowfall，withthesameamountofsympathyforeither。Notthathehadnotears;hecouldalwaysorderupthisreserveatthepropermomenttobattle;hecoulddrawupontearsorsmilesalike，andwheneverneedwasforusingthischeapcoin。Hewouldcringetoashoeblack，ashewouldflatteraministeroramonarch;behaughty，behumble，threaten，repent，weep，graspyourhand，（orstabyouwheneverhesawoccasion）——butyetthoseofthearmy，whoknewhimbestandhadsufferedmostfromhim，admiredhimmostofall:andasherodealongthelinestobattleorgallopedupinthenickoftimetoabattalionreelingfrombeforetheenemy\'schargeorshot，thefaintingmenandofficersgotnewcourageastheysawthesplendidcalmofhisface，andfeltthathiswillmadethemirresistible。
AfterthegreatvictoryofBlenheimtheenthusiasmofthearmyfortheDuke，evenofhisbitterestpersonalenemiesinit，amountedtoasortofrage——nay，theveryofficerswhocursedhimintheirheartswereamongthemostfrantictocheerhim。Whocouldrefusehismeedofadmirationtosuchavictoryandsuchavictor？Nothewhowrites:amanmayprofesstobeeversomuchaphilosopher;buthewhofoughtonthatdaymustfeelathrillofprideasherecallsit。
TheFrenchrightwaspostedneartothevillageofBlenheim，ontheDanube，wheretheMarshalTallard\'squarterswere;theirlineextendingthrough，itmaybealeagueandahalf，beforeLutzingenanduptoawoodyhill，roundthebaseofwhich，andactingagainstthePrinceofSavoy，werefortyofhissquadrons。
HerewasavillagethattheFrenchmenhadburned，thewoodbeing，infact，abettershelterandeasierofguardthananyvillage。
BeforethesetwovillagesandtheFrenchlinesranalittlestream，notmorethantwofootbroad，throughamarsh（thatwasmostlydriedupfromtheheatsoftheweather），andthisstreamwastheonlyseparationbetweenthetwoarmies——ourscomingupandrangingthemselvesinlineofbattlebeforetheFrench，atsixo\'clockinthemorning;sothatourlinewasquitevisibletotheirs;andthewholeofthisgreatplainwasblackandswarmingwithtroopsforhoursbeforethecannonadingbegan。
Ononesideandtheotherthiscannonadinglastedmanyhours。TheFrenchgunsbeinginpositioninfrontoftheirline，anddoingseveredamageamongourhorseespecially，andonourrightwingofImperialistsunderthePrinceofSavoy，whocouldneitheradvancehisartillerynorhislines，thegroundbeforehimbeingcutupbyditches，morasses，andverydifficultofpassagefortheguns。
Itwaspastmid—daywhentheattackbeganonourleft，whereLordCuttscommanded，thebravestandmostbelovedofficerintheEnglisharmy。Andnow，asiftomakehisexperienceinwarcomplete，ouryoungaide—de—camphavingseentwogreatarmiesfacingeachotherinlineofbattle，andhadthehonorofridingwithordersfromoneendtootheroftheline，cameinforanotuncommonaccompanimentofmilitaryglory，andwasknockedonthehead，alongwithmanyhundredofbravefellows，almostattheverycommencementofthisfamousdayofBlenheim。Alittleafternoon，thedispositionforattackbeingcompletedwithmuchdelayanddifficulty，andunderaseverefirefromtheenemy\'sguns，thatwerebetterpostedandmorenumerousthanours，abodyofEnglishandHessians，withMajor—GeneralWilkescommandingattheextremeleftofourline，marcheduponBlenheim，advancingwithgreatgallantry，theMajor—Generalonfoot，withhisofficers，attheheadofthecolumn，andmarching，withhishatoff，intrepidlyinthefaceoftheenemy，whowaspouringinatremendousfirefromhisgunsandmusketry，towhichourpeoplewereinstructednottoreply，exceptwithpikeandbayonetwhentheyreachedtheFrenchpalisades。TotheseWilkeswalkedintrepidly，andstruckthewoodworkwithhisswordbeforeourpeoplechargedit。Hewasshotdownattheinstant，withhiscolonel，major，andseveralofficers;
andourtroopscheeringandhuzzaing，andcomingon，astheydid，withimmenseresolutionandgallantry，wereneverthelessstoppedbythemurderousfirefrombehindtheenemy\'sdefences，andthenattackedinflankbyafuriouschargeofFrenchhorsewhichsweptoutofBlenheim，andcutdownourmeningreatnumbers。Threefierceanddesperateassaultsofourfootweremadeandrepulsedbytheenemy;sothatourcolumnsoffootwerequiteshattered，andfellback，scramblingoverthelittlerivulet，whichwehadcrossedsoresolutelyanhourbefore，andpursuedbytheFrenchcavalry，slaughteringusandcuttingusdown。
AndnowtheconquerorsweremetbyafuriouschargeofEnglishhorseunderEsmond\'sgeneral，GeneralLumley，behindwhosesquadronstheflyingfootfoundrefuge，andformedagain，whilstLumleydrovebacktheFrenchhorse，charginguptothevillageofBlenheimandthepalisadeswhereWilkes，andmanyhundredmoregallantEnglishmen，layinslaughteredheaps。Beyondthismoment，andofthisfamousvictory，Mr。Esmondknowsnothing;forashotbroughtdownhishorseandouryounggentlemanonit，whofellcrushedandstunnedundertheanimal，andcametohissensesheknowsnothowlongafter，onlytolosethemagainfrompainandlossofblood。Adimsense，asofpeoplegroaningroundabouthim，awildincoherentthoughtortwoforherwhooccupiedsomuchofhisheartnow，andthatherehiscareer，andhishopes，andmisfortuneswereended，heremembersinthecourseofthesehours。
Whenhewokeup，itwaswithapangofextremepain，hisbreastplatewastakenoff，hisservantwasholdinghisheadup，thegoodandfaithfulladofHampshire*wasblubberingoverhismaster，whomhefoundandhadthoughtdead，andasurgeonwasprobingawoundintheshoulder，whichhemusthavegotatthesamemomentwhenhishorsewasshotandfelloverhim。Thebattlewasoveratthisendofthefield，bythistime:thevillagewasinpossessionoftheEnglish，itsbravedefendersprisoners，orfled，ordrowned，manyofthem，intheneighboringwatersofDonau。ButforhonestLockwood\'sfaithfulsearchafterhismaster，therehadnodoubtbeenanendofEsmondhere，andofthishisstory。Themarauderswereoutrifflingthebodiesastheylayonthefield，andJackhadbrainedoneofthesegentrywiththeclub—endofhismusket，whohadeasedEsmondofhishatandperiwig，hispurse，andfinesilver—mountedpistolswhichtheDowagergavehim，andwasfumblinginhispocketsforfurthertreasure，whenJackLockwoodcameupandputanendtothescoundrel\'striumph。
*Mymistress，beforeIwentthiscampaign，sentmeJohnLockwoodoutofWalcote，whohatheversinceremainedwithme。——H。E。
HospitalsforourwoundedwereestablishedatBlenheim，andhereforseveralweeksEsmondlayinverygreatdangerofhislife;thewoundwasnotverygreatfromwhichhesuffered，andtheballextractedbythesurgeononthespotwhereouryounggentlemanreceivedit;butafeversetinnextday，ashewaslyinginhospital，andthatalmostcarriedhimaway。JackLockwoodsaidhetalkedinthewildestmannerduringhisdelirium;thathecalledhimselftheMarquisofEsmond，andseizingoneofthesurgeon\'sassistantswhocametodresshiswounds，sworethathewasMadamBeatrix，andthathewouldmakeheraduchessifshewouldbutsayyes。Hewaspassingthedaysinthesecrazyfancies，andvanasomnia，whilstthearmywassinging\"TeDeum\"forthevictory，andthosefamousfestivitiesweretakingplaceatwhichourDuke，nowmadeaPrinceoftheEmpire，wasentertainedbytheKingoftheRomansandhisnobility。HisGracewenthomebyBerlinandHanover，andEsmondlostthefestivitieswhichtookplaceatthosecities，andwhichhisgeneralsharedincompanyoftheothergeneralofficerswhotravelledwithourgreatcaptain。Whenhecouldmove，itwasbytheDukeofWurtemberg\'scityofStuttgardthathemadehiswayhomewards，revisitingHeidelbergagain，whencehewenttoManheim，andhencehadatediousbuteasywaterjourneydowntheriverofRhine，whichhehadthoughtadelightfulandbeautifulvoyageindeed，butthathisheartwaslongingforhome，andsomethingfarmorebeautifulanddelightful。
AsbrightandwelcomeastheeyesalmostofhismistressshonethelightsofHarwich，asthepacketcameinfromHolland。Itwasnotmanyhourserehe，Esmond，wasinLondon，ofthatyoumaybesure，andreceivedwithopenarmsbytheoldDowagerofChelsey，whovowed，inherjargonofFrenchandEnglish，thathehadtheairnoble，thathispallorembellishedhim，thathewasanAmadisanddeservedaGloriana;andoh！flamesanddarts！whatwashisjoyathearingthathismistresswascomeintowaiting，andwasnowwithherMajestyatKensington！AlthoughMr。EsmondhadtoldJackLockwoodtogethorsesandtheywouldrideforWinchesterthatnight，whenheheardthisnewshecountermandedthehorsesatonce;
hisbusinesslaynolongerinHants;allhishopeanddesirelaywithinacoupleofmilesofhiminKensingtonParkwall。PoorHarryhadneverlookedintheglassbeforesoeagerlytoseewhetherhehadthebelair，andhispalenessreallydidbecomehim;
henevertooksuchpainsaboutthecurlofhisperiwig，andthetasteofhisembroideryandpoint—lace，asnow，beforeMr。AmadispresentedhimselftoMadamGloriana。WasthefireoftheFrenchlineshalfsomurderousasthekillingglancesfromherladyship\'seyes？Oh！dartsandraptures，howbeautifulwerethey！
Andas，beforetheblazingsunofmorning，themoonfadesawayintheskyalmostinvisible，Esmondthought，withablushperhaps，ofanothersweetpaleface，sadandfaint，andfadingoutofsight，withitssweetfondgazeofaffection;suchalastlookitseemedtocastasEurydicemighthavegiven，yearningafterherlover，whenFateandPlutosummonedher，andshepassedawayintotheshades。
CHAPTERX。
ANOLDSTORYABOUTAFOOLANDAWOMAN。
AnytasteforpleasurewhichEsmondhad（andhelikedtodesipereinloco，neithermorenorlessthanmostyoungmenofhisage）hecouldnowgratifytotheutmostextent，andinthebestcompanywhichthetownafforded。Whenthearmywentintowinterquartersabroad，thoseoftheofficerswhohadinterestormoneyeasilygotleaveofabsence，andfounditmuchpleasantertospendtheirtimeinPallMallandHydePark，thantopassthewinterawaybehindthefortificationsofthedrearyoldFlanderstowns，wheretheEnglishtroopsweregathered。YachtsandpacketspasseddailybetweentheDutchandFlemishportsandHarwich;theroadsthencetoLondonandthegreatinnswerecrowdedwitharmygentlemen;thetavernsandordinariesofthetownswarmedwithred—coats;andourgreatDuke\'sleveesatSt。James\'swereasthrongedastheyhadbeenatGhentandBrussels，wherewetreatedhim，andheus，withthegrandeurandceremonyofasovereign。ThoughEsmondhadbeenappointedtoalieutenancyintheFusileerregiment，ofwhichthatcelebratedofficer，BrigadierJohnRichmondWebb，wascolonel，hehadneverjoinedtheregiment，norbeenintroducedtoitsexcellentcommander，thoughtheyhadmadethesamecampaigntogether，andbeenengagedinthesamebattle。Butbeingaide—de—camptoGeneralLumley，whocommandedthedivisionofhorse，andthearmymarchingtoitspointofdestinationontheDanubebydifferentroutes，Esmondhadnotfallenin，asyet，withhiscommanderandfuturecomradesofthefort;anditwasinLondon，inGoldenSquare，whereMajor—GeneralWebblodged，thatCaptainEsmondhadthehonoroffirstpayinghisrespectstohisfriend，patron，andcommanderofafterdays。
Thosewhorememberthisbrilliantandaccomplishedgentlemanmayrecollecthischaracter，uponwhichhepridedhimself，Ithink，notalittle，ofbeingthehandsomestmaninthearmy;apoetwhowritadullcopyofversesuponthebattleofOudenardethreeyearsafter，describingWebb，says:——
\"TonobledangerWebbconductstheway，Hisgreatexampleallhistroopsobey;
Beforethefrontthegeneralsternlyrides，WithsuchanairasMarstobattlestrides:
Propitiousheavenmustsureaherosave，LikeParishandsome，andlikeHectorbrave。\"