It was eight o'clock before the close fighting began.

The village of Neerwinden was regarded by both commanders as the point on which every thing depended.

There an attack was made by the French left wing commanded by Montchevreuil, a veteran officer of high reputation, and by Berwick, who, though young, was fast rising to a high place among the captains of his time.

Berwick led the onset, and forced his way into the village, but was soon driven out again with a terrible carnage.

His followers fled or perished; he, while trying to rally them, and cursing them for not doing their duty better, was surrounded by foes.