There, and only
there, lies the whole mystery of the affair. The total want of unity of
action on the part of the Italians assured to the Austrians, not the
victory, but the chance of rendering impossible Lamarmora's attempt to
break through the quadrilateral. This no one can deny; but, on the other
hand, if the Italian army failed in attaining its object, the
failure-owing to the bravery displayed both by the soldiers and by the
generals-was far from being a disastrous or irreparable one. The Italians
fought from three o'clock in the morning until nine in the evening like
lions, showing to their enemies and to Europe that they know how to
defend their country, and that they are worthy of the noble enterprise
they have undertaken.
But let me now register one of the striking episodes of that memorable
day. It was five o'clock p.m. when General Bixio, whose division held an
elevated position not far from Villafranca, was attacked by three strong
Austrian brigades, which had debouched at the same time from three
different roads, supported with numerous artillery.
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