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On being relieved from picket duty Rostov had managed to get a

few hours' sleep before morning and felt cheerful, bold, and

resolute, with elasticity of movement, faith in his good fortune,

and generally in that state of mind which makes everything seem

possible, pleasant, and easy.

All his wishes were being fulfilled that morning: there was to be

a general engagement in which he was taking part, more than that,

he was orderly to the bravest general, and still more, he was

going with a message to Kutuzov, perhaps even to the sovereign

himself. The morning was bright, he had a good horse under him,

and his heart was full of joy and happiness. On receiving the

order he gave his horse the rein and galloped along the line. At

first he rode along the line of Bagration's troops, which had not

yet advanced into action but were standing motionless; then he

came to the region occupied by Uvarov's cavalry and here he

noticed a stir and signs of preparation for battle; having passed

Uvarov's cavalry he clearly heard the sound of cannon and

musketry ahead of him. The firing grew louder and louder.