Nansouty's cavalry came through the wood. I
asked him to charge and carry the battery; he
refused, alleging the fatigue of his men.
' Pretend to, then,' I said, but received only the
same answer.
I was urging him with some considerable heat,
when one of the Emperor's aides - de - camp,
General Flahaut, chanced to pass. Seeing me
very excited, he inquired what was the matter.
' Look here,' I said, ' a slight effort would
secure us that* battery. If the Emperor were
here, something would be done — duty, at least, if
nothing more ! Situated as we are here, it is of
importance to overcome every obstacle, and to
force our way.'

'Would you like to see the Emperor?' he said.
' I will bring him to you.'

' Do, if you can,' I answered.
It was now late, and instead of coming himself,
he sent orders to Nansouty to act. The latter
moved at last. As soon as the enemy saw him,
they retreated, which would have been a boon to
us a few hours earlier.
I had rallied the remains of my division on the
outskirts of the wood. We were at a short dis-
tance from Hanau ; a few troops advanced thither,
but stopped just out of range of a hot fusillade.
