He employs every artifice to excite Otto of Nordheim against the two sons of Geron--menacing Otto's own sons, whom he held as hostages, in case the father refused.

But the noble Saxon replied, that he would stand or fall by his country.

Though signally foiled in all his schemes, Henry was still at the head of a numerous and veteran army, and he boldly advanced upon the marches of the Misne, to give battle to the sons of Geron.

The Saxons did not wait an attack, but sallied forth to meet the monarch.

The Mulda, swollen with the recent rains, alone separated the hostile armies, when the king, seized with a sudden panic, ordered a hasty retreat, and fell back upon Worms, where he gave himself up to a lively regret and the gloomiest forebodings.
The Saxons exulting in their first success, wished to revive the league with Suabia; but first besought the Holy See to indicate which side they should espouse.