Gilbert had never seen the new king's noble brow so calm and unclouded--he had never seen his eye flash so proudly and joyously, or the same sweet, buoyant smile upon his lips.
But as the hostile army filed out into the plain, and Rodolph found that the enemy he had expected in front was in his rear, a deep frown for a moment dispelled his smiles.

It was only for a moment.

He saw that Henry was now between him and Otto.
"Ride to my noble Otto," he said to Gilbert, who was at his side, "and bid him charge at once." Before Rodolph had altered his array, Gilbert brought back the Saxon's answer: "Otto of Nordheim declines to abandon the advantages of his position, and says he will not fail you, should you require his assistance." "It is well," said the king, frowning slightly; "he will not fail us." Then turning to Albert of Hers, he said, in a whisper: "Otto wishes the glory, of deciding the day, as at Melrichstadt.

Let us try that he may obtain the laurel of victory instead of the odium of defeat.

Gentlemen!" he said, in a loud voice, exchanging cheerful smiles with the Suabian nobles around him, "you have now an opportunity of meeting face to face the desolators of your country.