five o’clock p.m.
This no one can deny ; but , on the other hand , if the Italian army failed in attaining its object , the failure-owing to the bravery displayed both by the soldiers and by the generals-was far from being a disastrous or irreparable one . The Italians fought from three o'clock in the morning until nine in the evening like lions , showing to their enemies and to Europe that they know how to defend their country , and that they are worthy of the noble enterprise they have undertaken . But let me now register one of the striking episodes of that memorable day . It was five o'clock p.m. when General Bixio , whose division held an elevated position not far from Villafranca , was attacked by three strong Austrian brigades , which had debouched at the same time from three different roads , supported with numerous artillery . An officer of the Austrian staff , waving a white handkerchief , was seen galloping towards the front of Bixio 's position , and , once in the presence of this general , bade him surrender . Those who are not personally acquainted with Bixio can not form an idea of the impression this bold demand must have made on him . I have been told that , on hearing the word ` surrender , ' his face turned suddenly pale , then flushed like purple , and darting at the Austrian messenger , said , ` Major , if you dare to pronounce once more the word surrender in my presence , I tell you -- and Bixio always keeps his word -- that I will have you shot at once . '