A furious cannonade along the whole
front of that position ensued; the tirailleurs of either army posted
themselves along the margins of the ravine, and fired incessantly at
each other, their pieces almost touching. Cannon and musketry spread
devastation everywhere--for the armies were but a few toises apart. For
more than two hours Victor withstood singly the vigorous assaults of a
far superior force; Marengo had been taken and retaken several times,
ere Lannes received orders to reinforce him. The second line at length
advanced, but they found the first in retreat, and the two corps took up
a second line of defence considerably to the rear of Marengo. Here they
were, again, charged furiously--and again, after obstinate resistance,
gave way. General Elsnitz, meantime, having effected his purpose, and
fairly marched round Castel Ceriolo, appeared on the right flank, with
his splendid cavalry, and began to pour his squadrons upon the
retreating columns of Lannes. That gallant chief formed his troops _en
echelon_; and retired in admirable order--but the retreat was now
general; and, had Melas pursued the advantage with all his reserve, the
battle was won. But that aged general (he was eighty-four years old)
doubted not that he had won it already; and at this critical moment,
being quite worn out with fatigue, withdrew to the rear, leaving Zach to
continue what he considered as now a mere pursuit.

At the moment when the Austrian horse were about to rush on Lannes's
retreating corps, the reserve under Dessaix appeared on the outskirts of
the field. Dessaix himself, riding up to the First Consul, said, "I
think this is a battle lost." "I think it is a battle won," answered
Napoleon. "Do you push on, and I will speedily rally the line behind
you."--And in effect the timely arrival of this reserve turned the
fortune of the day.

Napoleon in person drew up the whole of his army on a third line of
battle, and rode along the front, saying, "Soldiers, we have retired far
enough. Let us now advance. You know it is my custom to sleep on the
field of battle." The enthusiasm of the troops appeared to be revived,
and Dessaix prepared to act on the offensive; he led a fresh column of
5000 grenadiers to meet and check the advance of Zach. The brave Dessaix
fell dead at the first fire, shot through the head. "Alas! it is not
permitted to me to weep," said Napoleon; and the fall of that beloved
chief redoubled the fury of his followers.