Had Browne been in command, very different steps would have been taken; but Prince Karl was indolent, self confident, and opinionated, and had set his army to work to strengthen its position in every possible manner.

This was naturally extremely strong, its right flank being covered by swampy ground formed by a chain of ponds; from which the water was let off in the winter, and the ground sown with oats.

These were now a brilliant green, and to the eyes of Frederick and his generals, surveying them from the distance, had the aspect of ordinary meadows.

The whole ground was commanded by redoubts and batteries on the hill, which rose precipitately seven or eight hundred feet behind the position.

In the batteries were sixty heavy cannon; while there were, in addition, one hundred and fifty field guns.
Well might Prince Karl think his position altogether unassailable, and believe that, if the Prussians were mad enough to attack, they would be destroyed.