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The Thirty Years
9
War 163
northern Germany against Wallenstein. He was forced
to withdraw from the line of the Danube.
The Battle of Lutzen. In the late autumn of 1632,
Gustavus Adolphus received the alarming news that
Wallenstein was ravaging Saxony with a view to com-
pelling the elector to break his alliance with the Swed-
ish king. At the report of this danger Gustavus Adol-
phus hastened northward toward Saxony in forced
marches. Wallenstein’s army lay near the little town
of Lutzen. Thither now marched the Swedish army
over plowed fields, where the mud clung to the soldiers’
feet and the horses’ hoofs sank deep in the soft earth.
On the morning of November 6, a thick mist spread
over the plains of Lutzen, preventing an early engage-
ment. The soldiers were arranged for battle, but could
scarcely distinguish their nearest companions. While
waiting, the king struck up the hymn, "Be not dis-
mayed, thou little flock." The soldiers joined in as the
tones reached them until the soul-stirring sounds from
thousands of throats reverberated over the plain. At
last the mists scattered and the autumn sun burst
forth. The king then drew his sword, folded his hands
about the hilt, and prayed : "Jesus, help me today to
fight for the glory of Thy Name." He waved the sword
above his head and ordered, "Forward."
In the midst of the battle the mists again shrouded
the battlefield. The sections could no longer hold to-
gether, and the battle resolved itself into a fierce hand-
to-hand conflict. Swords whizzed and muskets flashed.
The king was carried along into the confusion, sep-
arated from his men. He was seen to reel and fall from
the saddle; a bullet had struck his back. One of his
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