d falling by their own weight a little below it. The
legs were covered with coarse stockings of a light colour, and the feet
with shoes of untanned leather. A hat, leather or metal cap, probably
articles of plunder rather than of purchase, covered the head; and the
bearded faces of these men, many of whom had served twenty years in all
the armies and under every climate in Europe, gave them a very bold and
martial appearance. They were armed with a dagger and halberd, and some
with guns, which were fired with a match.

Standing with outstretched legs, and foot to foot meeting, they
presented a bold front; and Albert's military spirit rejoiced at the
sight of these experienced warriors, who, however, were well aware,
that in single combat they had no confidence, but formed in mass they
were formidable even to a more numerous enemy.

The commanders had carefully retained all the man[oe]uvres and words of
command of their former leader. They walked into the middle of one of
the circles, followed by their new acquaintance, when the deep and
loud-toned voice of Long Peter gave the word "Attention! face about."

The celerity with which the order was obeyed by turning around facing
inwards, proved they had not forgotten their lesson. They listened to
the proposals of the Duke of Wuertemberg which the commanders addressed
to them, and manifested by a murmur which ran through the ranks, that
they were satisfied with the terms, and would serve his cause with the
same zeal as they had not long since served against it. They were then
put through several man[oe]uvres, which they performed with an address
that astonished Albert, who thought the art of war of his day would
never be surpassed as long as the world existed. But he deceived
himself. His error of judgment was, however, pardonable, for in the
same way did our grandfathers hold the heroes of Frederick the Great in
estimation, as the _ne plus ultra_ of military discipline, and did not
anticipate the ridicule of their descendants on the subject of
perruques and long gaiters. And may not the time come, when the _good
old times_ of 1839 will also have their share of ridicule? Certainly
such elegant laced-up figures as are seen now-a-days among military
men, were not the fashion among the lansquenet and their commanders,
A. D. 1519.

About an hour after, it was announced from the advanced posts, that
they had perceived at the further end of the valley, in the
neighbourhood of