The chivalry of Suabia were spurring fast to the rescue, and Gilbert, now supported by a small band of friends, was almost at his side, when Godfrey de Bouillon charged the king with levelled lance.

The steel, impelled by a powerful hand, entered at the groin, and Rodolph, mortally wounded, fell to the ground.
The Bohemians uttered a cry of joy at the king's overthrow, for they knew him well by his armor and actions.

Their triumph was short-lived, however, for the Suabians, eager to avenge their leader, gave no quarter, and the victorious Saxons had attacked their rear.
"Stop not now!" said Rodolph to the nobles about him; and the lords of Hapsburg, Tuebingen, Achalm, Hers, and Stramen swept on to avenge him.
Gilbert remained rooted to the spot.

His lance dropped from his hand as he leaped from his horse and knelt beside his monarch.

Already the helmet had been removed by one who supported the dying hero in his arms.
From Gregory VII to Pius IX, from the Dominican that accompanied Cortez to the Jesuit who followed a more recent conqueror, the Catholic missionary had been found in the front of battle.