The Count Rapatho had already fallen before the fiery Rodolph, and the _Te Deum_ was hushed as the mangled corpse was brought into Henry's camp.
Nor was Otto of Nordheim less successful.

At the head of the Saxon infantry, he had routed the legions of Franconia, and had driven numbers into the deep and rapid river.

Fruitlessly did Henry endeavor to preserve his array and keep his ground: he was routed at every point.
The Saxons, now certain of victory, would have fallen upon and pillaged the camp.

But Otto was too old a warrior to throw caution aside because of a partial success.

"Wait a moment!" was all the veteran said, as he checked their appetite for plunder; and the wisdom of his advice was soon made evident.