Stein had drawn his sword, and he waved it at me. For my own
part I was determined not to give myself up.
I would try how many of these Prussians I could take with me into
the other world. At this supreme moment all the great deeds of
my life rose in a vision before me, and I felt that this, my last
exploit, was indeed a worthy close to such a career. My death
would be a fatal blow to those who loved me, to my dear mother,
to my Hussars, to others who shall be nameless. But all of them
had my honour and my fame at heart, and I felt that their grief
would be tinged with pride when they learned how I had ridden and
how I had fought upon this last day. Therefore I hardened my
heart and, as my Arab limped more and more upon his wounded leg,
I drew the great sword which I had taken from the Cuirassier, and
I set my teeth for my supreme struggle. My hand was in the very
act of tightening the bridle, for I feared that if I delayed
longer I might find myself on foot fighting against five mounted
men.
At that instant my eye fell upon something which brought hope to
my heart and a shout of joy to my lips.
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