[448] There was no pursuit, though the sun was still high in the heaven when William crossed the Gette.

The conquerors were so much exhausted by marching and fighting that they could scarcely move; and the horses were in even worse condition than the men.

Their general thought it necessary to allow some time for rest and refreshment.

The French nobles unloaded their sumpter horses, supped gaily, and pledged one another in champagne amidst the heaps of dead; and, when night fell, whole brigades gladly lay down to sleep in their ranks on the field of battle.

The inactivity of Luxemburg did not escape censure.