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desperately defended themselves with the bayonet, nor was the position carried until all its defenders had ceased to breathe.
Fortune now seemed to smile on the French. Napoleon seized the advantange with promptness; and, pressing on with immense masses of infantry and cavalry, attacked the centre, which was exposed. The cuirassiers and lancers rushed on at the head of the columns, and precipitated themselves on the British squares. A few battalions, who were slow in their evolutions, were cut to pieces; but when the squares were formed, the enemy could make no impression. In vain, with unexampled courage, did the French cavalry walk round the British squares to dash in at the least opening. Numbers of them rushed on, and nobly sacrificed themselves by receiving the fire of their opponents, while the main body waited to charge when they were reloading their pieces, or filling up the chasms. Some squadrons of the French penetrated through the squares, and desperately charged the position which the Duke of Wellington and his staff occupied, intending to signalize themselves by his death or capture. His personal escort was frequently engaged with the enemy.
The British cavalry now took part in the action, and fiercely charged the cuirassiers, lancers, and chasseurs, who fed penetrated the line. They were at length driven from the eminence which they had carried, the farm of La Haye was taken, and the combatants again occupied their former positions. Lord Somerset, noticing the proceedings of the enemy, who now coolly walked their horses round and round our infantry, and interrupted the fire of our artillery to some extent, immediately proposed to Sir John Elley to lead his brigade against them.
