and shadowy conception--a doubt, a dream--is enough at moments
like these to attain the whole force of a conviction; and it is
wonderful with what ingenuity we wind to our purpose every circumstance
around us, and what pains we take to increase the toils of our
self-deception. It would be a curious thing to trace out how much of our
good or evil fortune in life had its source in these superstitions; how
far the frame of mind fashioned the events before it; and to what extent
our hopes and fears were but the forerunners of destiny.

My sleeping thoughts were of the saddest; and when I awoke, I could not
shake them off. A heavy, dense fog clothed every object around, through
which only the watchfires were visible, as they flared with a yellow,
hazy light of unnatural size. The position of these signals was only
to mark the inequality of the ground: and I now could perceive that we
occupied the crest of a long and steep hill, down the sides and at the
bottom of which fires were also burning; while in front another mountain
arose, whose summit for a great distance was marked out by watchfires.
This I conjectured, from its extent and position, to be the Prussian
line.

At the front of the Emperor's quarters several led horses were standing,
whose caparison bespoke them as belonging to the staff; and although not
yet five o'clock, there was an appearance of movement which indicated
preparation. The troops, however, were motionless; the dense columns
covered the ground like a garment, and stirred not. As I stood,
uncertain what course to take, I heard the noise of voices and the heavy
tramp of many feet near, and on turning perceived it was the Emperor,
who came forth from his tent, followed by several of his staff. A large
fire blazed in front of his bivouac, which threw its long light on the
group; where, even in a fleeting glance, I recognized General Gazan, and
Nansouty, the commander of the Cuirassiers of the Guard.

"What hour is it?" said the Emperor to Duroc, who stood near him.

"Almost five o'clock, Sire."

"It is darker than it was an hour ago. Maison, where is Bernadotte by
this?--at Domberg, think you?"

"Not yet, Sire; he is no laggard if he reach it in three hours hence."

"Ney would have been there now," was the quick reply of Napoleon. "Come,
gentlemen, into the saddle, and let us move towards the front. Gazan,
put your division under arms."

The general waited not a second bidding, but wheeled his ho