All the plain, from Kishan to Rodosto, a distance of sixteen leagues, was

alive with troops, or with the camp-followers, all in motion at the

approach of a battle. The small garrisons were drawn from the various towns

and fortresses, and went to swell the main army. We met baggage waggons,

and many females of high and low rank returning to Fairy or Kishan, there

to wait the issue of the expected day. When we arrived at Rodosto, we found

that the field had been taken, and the scheme of the battle arranged. The

sound of firing, early on the following morning, informed us that advanced

posts of the armies were engaged. Regiment after regiment advanced, their

colours flying and bands playing. They planted the cannon on the tumuli,

sole elevations in this level country, and formed themselves into column

and hollow square; while the pioneers threw up small mounds for their

protection.

These then were the preparations for a battle, nay, the battle itself; far

different from any thing the imagination had pictured. We read of centre

and wing in Greek and Roman history; we fancy a spot, plain as a table, and

soldiers small as chessmen; and drawn forth, so that the most ignorant of

the game can discover science and order in the disposition of the forces.

When I came to the reality, and saw regiments file off to the left far out

of sight, fields intervening between the battalions, but a few troops

sufficiently near me to observe their motions, I gave up all idea of

understanding, even of seeing a battle, but attaching myself to Raymond

attended with intense interest to his actions. He shewed himself collected,

gallant and imperial; his commands were prompt, his intuition of the events

of the day to me miraculous. In the mean time the cannon roared; the music

233

The Last Man