army, and that no attack need be expected until the main body
arrived. The consequence was, the Swedes were almost at the edge of
the ditch before they were perceived, and both columns attacked
with such vigour and courage that, in a quarter of an hour, they
had gained a footing in the intrenchments, and had so filled up the
ditch with the fascines that the cavalry were able to follow them.

The Russians were so astounded at this sudden attack that they lost
heart altogether. The Swedish left, as soon as it entered the
intrenchments, swept along them, the Russians abandoning their guns
and batteries, and making for their bridge across the river.
Unfortunately for them, their huts were built close behind the
works, and in rear was another intrenchment, designed to repel
assaults from the town; and the terrified crowd, unable to make
their way rapidly along, over ground encumbered by their huts,
crossed the interior intrenchments, thinking to make their way
faster through the fields to the bridge.

The Swedish king, however, placed himself at the head of his
bodyguard, and, followed by the rest of his horse, charged right
upon them, cutting down great numbers, and driving the rest before
them towards the river, while the infantry kept up a heavy fire
upon the fugitives in the intrenchments.

The panic had spread quickly, and the Russian troops nearest to the
bridge were already pouring over, when the mass of the fugitives
arrived. These pressed upon the bridge in such numbers that it
speedily gave way, cutting off the retreat of their comrades
behind. Ignorant of the result, the terrified crowd pushed on,
pressing those in front of them into the river, and the number of
drowned was no less than that of those who fell beneath the
bullets, pikes, and sabres of the Swedes.

In their despair the Russians, rallied by some of their generals,
now attempted to defend themselves, and, by occupying some houses
and barracks, and barricading the passages between these with
overturned waggons, they fought bravely, and repulsed, for some
time, every effort of the Swedes.

Darkness was now falling, and the king hastened to the spot where
the battle was fiercely raging. As he ran towards it, he fell into
a morass, from which he was rescued with some difficulty, leaving
his sword and one boot behind him. However, he at once pushed on,
and placed himself at the head of the infantry engaged in the
assault. But even his presence and