These had crossed the bridge at La Fleche, and came pricking now up the valley to save Le Mans.

Heading them boldly, Richard threw out his archers like a waterspray over the flats, and while these checked the advance and had the van in confusion, thundered down the slopes with his knights, caught the Marshal on the flank, smote him hip and thigh, and swept the core of his army into the river.

The Marshal's battle was thus destroyed; but the wedge had made too clean a cleft.
Front and rear joined up and held; so Richard found himself in danger.
The Viscount of Beziers, who led the rearguard, engaged the enemy, and pushed them slowly back towards the Aune; Richard wheeled his men and charged, to take them in the rear.

His horse, stumbling on the rotten ground, fell badly and threw him: there were cries, 'Hola! Count Richard is down!' and some stayed to rescue and some pushed on.

William the Marshal, on a white horse, came suddenly upon him as he lay.