usket repelled the attack; and
after hard fighting Pappenheim was obliged to fall back, setting fire as
he retired to the village of Podelwitz. The smoke of the burning village
drifted across the plain, and was useful to the Swedes, as under its
cover the entire army passed the Loder, and formed up ready for battle
facing the Imperialists position, the movement being executed under a
heavy fire from the Austrian batteries on the hills.

The Swedish order of battle was different from that of the Imperialists.
The latter had their cavalry massed together in one heavy, compact body,
while the Swedish regiments of horse were placed alternately with
the various regiments or brigades of infantry. The Swedish centre was
composed of four brigades of pikemen. Guns were behind the first line,
as were the cavalry supporting the pikemen. The regiments of musketeers
were placed at intervals among the brigades of pikemen.

Pappenheim on his return to the camp ordered up the whole of his
cavalry, and charged down with fury upon the Swedes, while at the same
moment Furstenberg dashed with seven regiments of cavalry on the Saxons.
Between these and the Swedes there was a slight interval, for Gustavus
had doubts of the steadiness of his allies, and was anxious that in case
of their defeat his own troops should not be thrown into confusion. The
result justified his anticipations.

Attacked with fury on their flank by Furstenberg's horse, while his
infantry and artillery poured a direct fire into their front, the Saxons
at once gave way. Their elector was the first to set the example of
flight, and, turning his horse, galloped without drawing rein to Torgau,
and in twenty minutes after the commencement of the fight the whole of
the Saxons were in utter rout, hotly pursued by Furstenberg's cavalry.

Tilly now deemed the victory certain, for nearly half of his opponents
were disposed of, and he outnumbered the remainder by two to one; but
while Furstenberg had gained so complete a victory over the Saxons,
Pappenheim, who had charged the Swedish centre, had met with a very
different reception.

In vain he tried to break through the Swedish spears. The wind was
blowing full in the faces of the pikemen, and the clouds of smoke and
dust which rolled down upon them rendered it impossible for them to see
the heavy columns of horse until they fell upon them like an avalanche,
yet with perfect steadiness they withstood the attacks.

Seven time