A cry went forth among the Norman troops that Duke William was killed.

Duke William took off his helmet, in order that his face might be distinctly seen, and rode along the line before his men.

This gave them courage.

As they turned again to face the English, some of their Norman horse divided the pursuing body of the English from the rest, and thus all that foremost portion of the English army fell, fighting bravely.

The main body still remaining firm, heedless of the Norman arrows, and with their battle-axes cutting down the crowds of horsemen when they rode up, like forests of young trees, Duke William pretended to retreat.