Henry was at the head of the finest troops in the empire.

But the consciousness of the sacredness of their cause made the soldiers of Rodolph invincible.
Already Eberard le Barbu, the faithful counsellor of Henry, the Count of Hennenburg, Thibalt, and Henry of Lechsgemund had fallen around their lord.

At this moment some bishops, retiring from the ranks of Rodolph, communicated a panic to those around them.

It was in vain that Rodolph displayed the brilliant valor that had won him the name of the first knight of the times--that the Lord of Hers put forth his utmost skill, and the Baron of Stramen displayed his unrivalled strength.

Menace and entreaty failed alike, nor could example or reproach recall the fugitives.
"Why does not Otto advance!" exclaimed Rodolph, who, by dint of almost superhuman exertion, had preserved his front still unbroken.