the military genius which Gustavus had displayed in his strong intrenchments, and by the bold front which the Swedes presented, that notwithstanding his boast, he did not dare to hazard an attack.  He accordingly threw up intrenchments opposite the works of the Swedes, and there the two armies remained, looking each other in the face for eight weeks, neither daring to withdraw from behind their intrenchments, and each hoping to starve the other party out.  Gustavus did every thing in his power to provoke Wallenstein to the attack, but the wary general, notwithstanding the importunities of his officers, and the clamors of his soldiers, refused to risk an engagement.  Both parties were all the time strengthening their intrenchments and gathering reinforcements.

At last Gustavus resolved upon an attack.  He led his troops against the intrenchments of Wallenstein, which resembled a fortress rather than a camp.  The Swedes clambered over the intrenchments, and assailed the imperialists with as much valor and energy as mortals ever exhibited.  They were, however, with equal fury repelled, and after a long conflict were compelled to retire again behind their fortifications with the loss of three thousand of their best troops.  For another fortnight the two armies remained watching each other, and then Gustavus, leaving a strong garrison in Nuremberg, slowly and defiantly retired.  Wallenstein stood so much in fear of the tactics of Gustavus that he did not even venture to molest his retreat.  During this singular struggle of patient endurance, both armies suffered fearfully from sickness and famine.  In the city of Nuremberg ten thousand perished.  Gustavus buried twenty thousand of his men beneath his intrenchments.  And in the imperial army, after the retreat of Gustavus, but thirty thousand troops were left to answer the roll-call.

Wallenstein claimed, and with justice, the merit of having arrested the steps of Gustavus, though he could not boast of any very chivalrous exploits.  After various maneuvering, and desolating marches, the two armies, with large reinforcements, met at Lutzen, about thirty miles from Leipsic.  It was in the edge of the evening when they arrived within sight of each other’s banners.  Both parties passed an anxious night, preparing for the decisive battle which the dawn of the morning would usher in.

Wallenstein was fearfully alarmed.  He had not willingly met his dreaded antagonist, and would now gladly escape the issues of battle.  He called a council of war, and even suggested a retreat.  But it was decided that such an attempt in the night, and while watched by so able and vigilant a foe, would probably involve the army in irretrievable ruin, besides exposing his own name to deep disgrace.  The imperial troops, thirty thousand strong, quite outnumbered the army of Gustavus, and the officers of Wallenstein unanimously advised to give battle.  Wallenstein was a superstitious man and deeply devoted to astrological