by the storm of cannon shot, they suffered terribly.
One regiment was almost entirely destroyed, the other pressed
forward as far as the abattis, fighting so desperately that Daun
was obliged to bring up large reinforcements before he could drive
the survivors back.

The Austrians, believing that victory was won, charged down in
pursuit; but the second line met them firmly, drove them back and,
following hotly, again reached the abattis; and only retreated
slowly before the overwhelming forces which the Austrian then
brought up. The battle had lasted only an hour, but half
Frederick's column were already killed or wounded.

Shortly after they had retired, Hulsen's column came up. The four
hundred guns had never ceased pouring their iron rain into the
forest, but the newcomers arrived in splendid order. The remnant of
Frederick's column joined them, furious at defeat and burning to
meet the enemy again.

So stern and resolute was the attack that, for a time, it carried
all before it. Daun's line of defence was broken, most of his
cannon silenced, and for a time the Prussians advanced, carrying
all before them. Had Ziethen been doing his part, instead of idly
cannonading Lacy, the battle would have been won; but his
inactivity enabled Daun to bring up all his forces against the
king. These he hurled at the Prussians and, foot by foot, drove
them back and pushed them down the hill again.

Frederick himself had been struck from his horse by a piece of case
shot, fortunately almost spent, and which failed to penetrate his
thick pelisse. He was badly contused, and for a short time
insensible; but he quickly sprung to his feet again, mounted his
horse, and maintained his place in the fight as if nothing had
happened. After this second repulse he again formed up his troops,
and at that moment he was joined by Holstein with his cavalry.

The sun had already set, and the darkness favoured the attack. Daun
had not yet recovered from the terrible confusion into which his
troops were thrown by the attack, and the Prussians again mounted
the hill, Holstein attacking Daun's right wing.

The main body of the cavalry found the morasses and obstacles so
impracticable that they were unable to attack as arranged, but two
regiments succeeded in gaining the plateau. One of these dashed
upon the Austrian infantry. They met, broke into fragments, and
took two whole regiments prisoners; and brought them and six guns
triumphantly off.