two to six in the morning
The Duc d'Anjou , at the head of the fugitives , mounted on an excellent horse , and accompanied by a single servant , pushed forward without appearing to think of anything . `` He has no heart , '' cried some . `` His sang-froid is magnificent , '' said others . Some hours of repose , from two to six in the morning , restored to the infantry the strength to continue their retreat ; but provisions were wanting . As for the horses , they seemed more fatigued than the men , and could scarcely move , for they had eaten nothing since the day before . The fugitives hoped to gain Brussels , where the duke had many partisans , although they were not free from anxiety as to their reception . At Brussels , which was about eight leagues off , they would find food for the famishing troops , and a place of security from whence to recommence the campaign at a more favorable time .