For a time the combat seemed equal, but at length the division of Welf could be seen slowly falling back.

The Suabian nobles, who had hitherto watched the contest in silence and the deepest interest, besought the king to permit them to aid the retreating column.

But Rodolph firmly refused.

He watched the combatants sternly, but without moving a muscle, until the main body of Henry's army was in motion, and then Gilbert could see the smile he had marked at Fladenheim, curling the hero's lip and lighting up his eye.

Yet it was not the same smile: there was something sadder, yet fiercer in it.