The former occupied a steep hill on the bank of a deep stream, which separated the combatants.

Otto with his Saxons was stationed in the van, and was to sustain the attack, while the division of Rodolph was to act as a reserve.

It was a bitter cold day in January, and a thick mist had canopied the river.

Under cover of this, Henry, by a retrograde movement, gained the rear of his adversary.

Rodolph, unconscious of this, was anxiously listening for the din of battle as the fog partially obscured his view.