Unprepared for this treacherous movement, Rodolph had barely time to form his ranks and address a few words of encouragement to his troops.

He was answered with a shout that attested the eagerness of his soldiers for the fray.

Already the clang of arms, the cries of the living, and the groans of the dying were heard along the line.

The army of Rodolph was drawn up in two divisions--one commanded by the king, the other by the valiant Otto of Nordheim.

As the division of Otto was a little in the rear, that of the monarch was for a time exposed alone to the overwhelming numbers of the enemy.