The passage describes the aftermath of a fierce battle at Mont-Saint-Jean, where the "living redoubt" has collapsed, and the ground is stained with blood and rain. The scene reflects a somber atmosphere as the French legions, likened to the grand Roman legions, meet their demise. Amidst the eerie silence and the corpses, there is a stark contrast presented between the weight of history and the everyday life continuing around it.

Joseph, a mail carrier, rides by in the early hours, whistling and cheerfully urging his horse, oblivious to the grave events that transpired. This juxtaposition highlights the resilience of life and the persistence of mundane activities, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy and loss. Hugo captures the profound disconnect between ordinary life and the horrors of war, illustrating the enduring impact of history on the present.