emy. Should I fall,
cover my body with your mantle, and carry me to the wagon, which shall
be stationed behind the first battalion. Leave me there, and tell no
one of what has occurred. The battle must continue--the enemy must be
defeated."

When the king had thus made his testament, he dismissed the lieutenant,
and advanced toward his body-guard.

"Good-morning!" cried the king, cheerfully.

"Good-morning, father!" was the universal answer. Then the old
graybeards, standing beside the king, said again:

"Good-morning, father! it is very cold to-day."

"It will be warm enough before the day is over, boys!" said the king.
"There is much to be done. Be brave, my children, and I will care for
you as a father."

An old soldier, with silver hair, and the scars of many wounds upon his
face, approached the king.

"Your majesty," said he, in an earnest voice, "if we are crippled what
will become of us?"

"You shall be taken care of," said the king.

"Will your majesty give me your hand upon this promise?"

This question was followed by deep silence. All present were gazing
anxiously at the king and the old guard. The king advanced, and laid his
hand in that of the old soldier.

"I swear, that any of you who are crippled, shall be taken care of."

The old warrior turned with tearful eyes to his comrades.

"Well," said he, "you hear him? he is and will continue to be the King
of Prussia and our father. The one who deserts is a rascal."

"Long live our Fritz!" and throughout the whole camp resounded the
cry--"Long live our Fritz! Long live our king!"

"Onward! onward!" was the cry, for at the end of the plain the enemy
could be seen approaching.

"Forward!" cried the soldiers, falling one by one into their places, as
the king, followed by Lieutenant Frankenberg and his men, galloped past
them.

A turn in the road showed the Prussians the enormous size of the enemy's
army. Silence prevailed for a few moments. Suddenly, here and there a
voice could be heard singing a battle-hymn, and soon, accompanied by the
band, the whole army was breathing out in song an earnest prayer to God.

A guard, approaching the king, said:

"Is it your majesty's desire that the soldiers should cease singing?"

The king shook his head angrily.

"No!" said he, "let them alone. With such an army, God can but give me
victory."

Nearer and nearer came the enemy, covering the plain with their numbers,
and gazing with amazement at th