Irish Drummer’s Fencing Lessons
After being wounded by the old Gascon, the narrator is visited by an Irish drummer who offers to teach him the “Science of Defence.” The drummer’s true motive, as the narrator later discovers, is jealousy over the Gascon’s affair with his wife. The narrator accepts the offer and practices the lessons diligently, soon becoming confident in his ability to challenge his former conqueror.
Battle of Dettingen Engagement
The regiment joins the camp of Marshal Noailles the night before the battle at Dettingen. Ordered to cross the river under the Duc de Grammont, they take possession of a narrow defile through which the Allies must pass to their disadvantage. An old officer expresses surprise at Lord Stair’s conduct, noting that Stair was overruled and had actually disapproved of the plan. Providence or destiny acts on the Allies’ behalf when the Duc de Grammont inexplicably quits his advantageous post, passes the defile, and attacks the English drawn up in order of battle on the plain.
Dettingen French Retreat
The English handle the French roughly, killing a great number of men, after which the French turn and flee in such precipitation that many hundreds perish in the river through fear and confusion. The enemy, headed by the King of Great Britain, generously declines to pursue. The French loss amounts to five thousand men, including many officers of distinction, opening a passage for the foe to Haynau. The French later take possession of the field of battle and treat the living and dead with humanity.
Gascon’s Post-Battle Boasting
The French soldiers use this kindness as grounds to claim victory, and the French national character emerges in their extravagant boasting. Every soldier claims to have performed feats eclipsing all ancient heroes, with comparisons to lions, bears, and desperate stags. The meagre Gascon outdoes them all, extolling his exploits above those of Hercules or Charlemagne. The narrator, still resentful of his previous disgrace and now feeling qualified, magnifies English valor and disparages the French, paying an ironical compliment to the Gascon’s speed in flight.
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