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troops of Greneral Loban. The countenance of Wellington brightened into a smile. "There goes old Blucher at last," he exclaimed. "We shall beat them yet." The decisive moment had arrived, and the Duke promptly availed himself of it. He ordered the whole line supported by the artillery and cavalry to charge. His troops replied with one universal shout and hastened to the attack. Nothing could resist their impetuosity. The French fought with bravery and desperation; but their first line was speedily broken through; the second afforded little more resistance, and complete confusion and route ensued.
Four squares of the old imperial guard yet remained. With these Napoleon endeavoured to cover his retreat, which was now inevitable; but they were embarrassed and borne away by the crowd of fugitives, and unable to resist the overwhelming force of the English and Prussians which now pressed upon them. They defended themselves with a gallantry which excited the admiration of their foes. The Duke of Wellington would have prevented the useless sacrifice of their lives, and summoned them to a surrender. But, with a high sense of military honour, which we are compelled to regard, with respect and veneration, though we think that it was here erroneous and overstrained, they refused to yield, and slowly retreating inch by inch, were almost entirely annihilated.
With their destruction the contest ended. No further resistance was opposed; and the conquerors had little more to do, than to pursue the fugitives. The loss of the British was from 15 to 20,000 men; the Prussian 5 or 6000. The loss of the French in the short campaign was at least 60 or 65 000 killed, wounded, or prisoners. More than 300 pieces of artillery were taken.
