The Adventures of Roderick Random

Chapter XLIV: In order to be revenged I learn the science of defence.——We join Marechal Duc de Noailles——are engaged with the allies at Dettingen, and put to fl ight——the behaviour of the French soldiers on that occasion——I industriously seek another comb

224 The Adventures of Roderick Random chapter xliv. In order to be revenged I learn the science of defence.——We join Marechal Duc de Noailles——are engaged with the allies at Dettingen, and put to flight——the behaviour of the French soldiers on that occasion——I industriously seek another combat with the old Gascon, and vanquish him in my turn——our regiment is put into winter-quarters at Rheims,1 where I find my friend Strap——our recognition, he supplies me with money, and procures my discharge——we take a trip to Paris; from whence by the way of Flanders we set out for London, where we safely arrive. He was disconcerted at this declaration, to which he made no reply, but repaired to the dancers, among whom he recounted his victory with many exaggerations and gasconades;2 while I, taking up my sword, went to my quarters, and examined my wound, which I found was of no consequence.—The same day, an Irish drummer, having heard of my misfortune, visited me, and after having condoled me on the chance of war, gave me to understand, that he was master of his sword, and would in a very short time instruct me so thoroughly in that noble science, that I should be able to chastise the old Gascon for his insolent boasting at my expence.—This friendly office he proffered on pretence of the regard he had for his countrymen; but I afterwards learned the true motive was no other than a jealousy he entertained of a correspondence between the Frenchman and his wife, which he did not think proper to resent in person.—Be this as it will, I accepted his offer, and practised his lessons with such application, that I soon believed myself a match for my conqueror.—In the mean time we continued our march, and arrived at the camp of Marechal Noailles, the night before the battle of Dettingen.3 Notwithstanding the fatigue we had undergone, our regiment was one of those that were ordered next day to cross the river, under the command of the Duc de Gramont,4 to take possession of a narrow defile,5 through which the allies must of necessity have passed at a great disadvantage, or remain where they were, and perish for want of provision, if they would not condescend to surrender at discretion.—How they suffered themselves to be pent up in this manner, it is not my province to relate; I shall only observe, that when we had taken possession of our ground, I heard an old of- ficer in conversation with another, express surprize at the conduct of Lord Stair,6 who had the reputation of a good general.—But it seems, at this time, that nobleman was overruled, and only acted in an inferior character; so that no part of the blame could be imputed to him, who declared his disapprobation of the step, in consequence of which the whole army was in the utmost danger; but providence or destiny acted miracles in their behalf, by disposing the Duc de Gramont to quit his advantageous post, pass the defile, and attack the English, who were drawn up in order of battle on the plain, and Volume Two, Chapter XLIV 225 who handled us so roughly, that after having lost a great number of men, we turned our backs without ceremony, and fled with such precipitation, that many hundreds perished in the river, through pure fear and confusion; for the enemy was so generous, that they did not pursue us one inch of ground; and if our consternation would have permitted, we might have retreated with great order and deliberation.—But notwithstanding the royal clemency of the king of Great Britain, who headed the allies in person , and, no doubt, put a stop to the carnage, our loss amounted to 5000 men, among whom were many officers of distinction.—Our miscarriage opened a passage for the foe to Hanau,7 whither they immediately marched, leaving their sick and wounded to the care of the French, who next day took possession of the field of battle, buried the dead, and treated the living with humanity.—This circumstance was a great consolation to us, who thence took occasion to claim the victory; and the genius of the French nation never appeared more conspicuous than now, in the rhodomontades they uttered on the subject of their generosity and courage: Every man, (by his own account...