eleven until two
Fighting as he did against vastly superior forces , Napoleon 's one hope of success lay in crushing the Prussians before the English -- who , as he well knew , were scattered over a large extent of country -- could come up , and his failure to do this cost him his empire . The artillery fire ceased in front before the column continued its march for Mount St. Jean . The Prince of Orange had paused in his advance when he saw how strong was the French force round Frasnes , and Ney was not yet ready to attack . Therefore from eleven until two there was a cessation of operations , and the ardor of the troops flagged somewhat as they tramped along the dusty road between Mount St. Jean and Genappe . The Prince of Orange was having an anxious time while the British column was pressing forward to his assistance . As the hours went by he saw the enemy 's forces in front of him accumulating , while he knew that his own supports must be still some distance away . Nevertheless , he prepared to defend Quatre Bras to the last .