On the one side was the great conqueror himself, with faculties and prestige undimmed even by the greatest disaster recorded in the annals of civilized nations.

He was opposed by men no less determined than himself.

The illness and finally the death of the obstinate old Kutusoff had stopped the intrigues of the Slav peace party, hitherto strong in the Russian camp: and the command now devolved on Wittgenstein, a more energetic man, whose heart was in his work.
But the most inspiring influence was that of Bluecher.

The staunch patriot seemed to embody the best qualities of the old _regime_ and of the new era.

The rigour learnt in the school of Frederick the Great was vivified by the fresh young enthusiasm of the dawning age of nationality.