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Open Library American Libraries. Search the Wayback Machine Search icon An illustration of a magnifying glass. Sign up for free Log in. They were mere disorganized bands, not dis- ciplined forces. The men wore long, dirty beards and tattered uniforms; they advanced in listless fashion, without a flag, without a leader. All seemed exhausted, worn out, incapable of thought or re- solve, marching onward merely by force of habit, and dropping to the ground with fatigue the moment they halted.
One saw, in particular, many enlisted men, peaceful citizens, men who lived quietly on their income, bending beneath the weight of their rifles; and little active volunteers, easily frightened but full of enthusiasm, as eager to attack as they were ready to take to flight; and amid these, a sprinkling of red-breeched soldiers, the pitiful rem- nant of a division cut down in a great battle; somber artillerymen, side by side with nondescript foot-sol- diers; and, here and there, the gleaming helmet of a heavy-footed dragoon who had difficulty in keep- ing up with the quicker pace of the soldiers of the line.
Legions of irregulars with high-sounding names β "Avengers of Defeat," "Citizens of the Tomb," "Brethren in Death" β passed in their turn, looking like banditti. Their leaders, former drapers or grain mer- i BOULE DE SUIF chants, or tallow or soap chandlers β warriors by force of circumstances, officers by reason of their mustachios or their money β covered with weapons, flannel and gold lace, spoke in an impressive man- ner, discussed plans of campaign, and behaved as though they alone bore the fortunes of dying France on their braggart shoulders; though, in truth, they frequently were afraid of their own men β scoun- drels often brave beyond measure, but pillagers and debauchees.
