Upon the other hand, Napoleon's were all veteran troops, and the French had for a long time been accustomed to victory over the Prussians.

Of Wellington's force fully a half were of mixed nationalities: Belgians, Dutch, Brunswickers, and Hessians; while his British division consisted chiefly of young troops, so hastily raised that a great number of them absolutely fought at Waterloo in the uniforms of the militia regiments from which they had been drafted.
It seemed, however, a well-nigh desperate enterprise for Napoleon to attack so greatly superior a force.

But he had, in fact, no choice but to do so; for Russia and Austria were arming, and their forces would soon be advancing upon France, and it was therefore necessary if possible to defeat the British and Prussians before they could arrive.
Could he succeed in doing this the enthusiasm that would be excited in France would enable him vastly to increase his army.

In the meantime his confidence in his own military genius was unbounded, and the history of his past was contained many triumphs won under circumstances far less favorable than the present.
During the weeks that elapsed while the three great armies were assembling and taking up their positions, the troops stationed round Brussels had a pleasant time of it.

The city itself was crowded with visitors.