But nobly indeed was the brunt of the battle borne.

Rodolph waited not the onset, but led on his columns to the charge.

Then Suabian and Saxon darted forward shoulder to shoulder, and the lords of Hers and Stramen, side by side, shouted their battle-cries and hurled their followers upon the opposing ranks.

Such was the ardor inspired by Rodolph that, at the first shock, two of Henry's columns were broken.

But this advantage did not long avail against equal courage and superior numbers.