Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XIII. Reign of Charles XII, 1697–1718 - C. War with Russia
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222 A History of Sweden
storm abated the Swedes were upon them. Panic-
stricken, large numbers fled at once, others attempted
to defend themselves, but without order or system.
Charles was always in the hottest of the fight at the
head of his "companions," a chosen body of warriors.
Twice he lost his horse. Of this a Swedish colonel
writes in a letter : "His Majesty was twice down with
his horse in a bog. But think how the Lord preserved
him ! The horse could not get out of the mire, and no
one was with him, except Axel Hard, who called to two
Finns for help. They pulled him out, but one boot and
stocking were left in the mire. His Majesty’s sword
was also lost. The horse they rescued. His Majesty
then put on Axel Hlird’s boots, minus the socks, took
a sword from one of the guards, and rode thus wet
and without socks all that night, in such bitter cold
that many of the wounded perished from its effects."
When darkness put an end to the fight, the king lay
down in his wet clothes near a log-fire and fell asleep
leaning his head against one of his "fellows."
Results of the Battle. The following day the Russian
captives marched with uncovered heads past the scan-
ty Swedish lines, presented arms before the king and
respectfully laid them down before him. The prisoners
were so many that it was impossible to guard them all.
The men were permitted to march back, and only the
chief officers were retained as prisoners. Ingria was
saved to Sweden.
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