The powerful body of French and Irish infantry did not, however, wait for the assault, but, 9000 strong, charged down the slope upon the 5000 Hanoverians before they had formed up after crossing the river, repulsed them with great loss, and took the prince himself prisoner.
This was a serious disaster, as, by the rout of the Hanoverians the connexion between Marlborough's army and that of Prince Eugene was broken.
Marlborough's eye, however, was everywhere; and galloping to the spot, he put himself at the head of some squadrons of British cavalry, and, closely followed by three battalions of fresh infantry, charged the Irish battalions, who, in the impetuosity of their pursuit, had fallen into disorder.

The cavalry charge completed their confusion, and the infantry opening fire in flank on the lately victorious column, drove it back with immense slaughter.

Thus the battle was restored at this point.
All this time the fight had raged between Eugene's array and the Bavarians and French opposed to them.

At first the prince had been successful, and the Danes and Prussians under his orders captured a battery of six guns.

His cavalry, however, while advancing in some disorder, were charged by the French, driven back across the Nebel, and the guns were retaken.