This plan was carried out.

The Danes advanced with their usual impetuosity, and for hours tried to break through the lines of the Saxon spears.

Both sides fought valiantly, the Danes inspired by their pride in their personal prowess and their contempt for the Saxons; the Saxons by their hatred for their oppressors, and their determination to die rather than again submit to their bondage.

At length, after the battle had raged some hours, and both parties were becoming wearied from their exertions, the king gave Edmund the order.
Hitherto his men had fought in line with the rest; but at the sound of his bugle they quitted their places, and, ere the Danes could understand the meaning of this sudden movement, had formed themselves into their wedge, raised a mighty shout, and advanced against the enemy.

The onslaught was irresistible.