THE BATTLE OF BALACLAVA. 27 i by thousands, Mayow was not so enticed by the chap. yielding, nay, fugitive, tendency of the squadrons retreating before him, as to forget that the useful- ness of the singular venture which had brought him thus far must depend, after all, upon the chauce of its being supported. He halted his His halt little band ; and whether he caught his earliest glimpse of the truth with his own eyes, or whether he gathered it from the mirthful voices of his Lancers saying something of ' the Busby- ' bags coming,' or ' the Busby-bags taking it coolly/ he at all events learnt to his joy that exactly at the time when he best could welcome its aid, a fresh English force was at hand.* The force seen was only one squadron, but a squadron in beautiful order ; and, though halted when first discerned, it presently resumed its advance, and was seen to be now fast approaching. It will now be convenient to observe the opera- tions of the troops which were actively support- ing Lord Cardigan's first line, and to take them in the order of from left to right. It was with a generous admiration, yet also Feelings with a thrilling anxiety, and with a sentiment the French 3£LW our scarce short of horror, that the French saw our Light squadrons advance down the valley, and glide on, advance, as it were, to destruction ; but especially was strong feeling aroused in that warlike body of
- The ' Busby-bag ' is the familiar name for the head-gear of
the English Hussar, and — upon the pars pro told principle — for the Hussar himself.
