Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

132 LIFE OP COL. BLACfcADER. CHAf. VI.
scarcely be carried. The trenches were opened im-
mediately, and while the siege advanced with all
imaginable success, Prince Vaudemont, with his di-
vision, executed one of the most masterly retreats re-
corded in history. While he lay encamped near Arsel,
Villeroi with his whole army, instead of marching to
the relief of Namur, thought it more adviseable to leave
the besiegers unmolested, and attack this separate
body, which he doubted not would fall an easy prey
to his overwhelming force. About ten in the even-
ing, he reached the Prince's camp, who was taken by
surprise, and kept his troops under arms all night.
He caused entrenchments to be thrown up in case of
assault. Finding next morning that he was in danger
of being surrounded, and cut to pieces, he wisely al-
tered his resolution from fighting to retreating. He
ordered the infantry to file off in two columns, through
the trenches, with their pikes and colours trailing.
He had also a line of cavalry drawn up, behind which,
the foot passed along, while their motion was con-
cealed from the enemy. Nor was the deception per-
ceived, until the horse quitted their post, which they
did when the infantry were beyond the apprehension
of pursuit. The French were struck with amaze-
ment, to see a whole army vanish from before their
eyes, as it were by magic ; while the Prince, who re-
mained in the camp till the last, amused himself at
their confusion. About 400 men were cut off, which
happened by a stratagem of the enemy, a party of
whom, speaking English, and having green boughs in
castle : Reddi quidam, sed vinci non potest. " It may be restored, but
can never be reduced." Ralph, p. 595.