seven o’clock
The decisive manoeuvre of carrying one important point of the enemy 's lines , of turning him upon the flank , or piercing him through the centre , were here found impracticable . He might launch his avalanche of grape-shot , he might pour down his crashing columns of cavalry , he might send forth the iron storm of his brave infantry ; but though death in every shape heralded their approach , still were others found to fill the fallen ranks , and feed with their hearts ' blood the unslaked thirst for slaughter . Well might the gallant leader of this gallant host , as he watched the reckless onslaught of the untiring enemy , and looked upon the unflinching few who , bearing the proud badge of Britain , alone sustained the fight , well might he exclaim , `` Night or Blucher ! '' It was now seven o'clock , when a dark mass was seen to form upon the heights above the French centre , and divide into three gigantic columns , of which the right occupied the Brussels road . These were the reserves , consisting of the Old and Young Guards , and amounting to twelve thousand , -- the _ élite _ of the French army , -- reserved by the Emperor for a great _ coup-de-main _ . These veterans of a hundred battles had been stationed from the beginning of the day , inactive spectators of the fight ; their hour was now come , and with a shout of `` Vive l'Empereur ! '' which rose triumphantly over the din and crash of battle , they began their march .