He saw that Henry
was now between him and Otto.

"Ride to my noble Otto," he said to Gilbert, who was at his side, "and
bid him charge at once." Before Rodolph had altered his array, Gilbert
brought back the Saxon's answer:

"Otto of Nordheim declines to abandon the advantages of his position,
and says he will not fail you, should you require his assistance."

"It is well," said the king, frowning slightly; "he will not fail us."
Then turning to Albert of Hers, he said, in a whisper: "Otto wishes the
glory, of deciding the day, as at Melrichstadt. Let us try that he may
obtain the laurel of victory instead of the odium of defeat. Gentlemen!"
he said, in a loud voice, exchanging cheerful smiles with the Suabian
nobles around him, "you have now an opportunity of meeting face to face
the desolators of your country. Soldiers!" he said, mingling among his
troops, "there are the Bohemians who butchered your wives and families!"
As the whole body clamored for the signal to begin, Rodolph gave the
word, and the chivalry and yeomanry of Suabia swept rapidly down the
hill. They were met at the base by the whole army of Henry. Still,
nothing daunted, Rodolph displayed his impetuous valor, the lords of
Hers and Stramen rushed on the destroyers of their castles, and Gilbert
and Henry fought side by side, each trying to outstrip the other. At
this moment, as Rodolph was tugging at his lance to draw it from a body
of a knight he had pierced, it was seized by Vratislaus, Duke of
Bohemia. As Vratislaus put forth all his strength to disarm his
antagonist, Rodolph suddenly yielded up the weapon, and as the duke
staggered back, sprang upon him with his sword. Timely succor alone
saved the Bohemian.

"He will be rewarded for capturing my lance," said Rodolph, calmly. "Had
not his friends been so fleet, he might have had his recompense in
another world."

But the Suabians, opposed to three times their number, were beginning to
retreat, when Otto of Nordheim, true to his word, emerged from the mist
and fell upon the enemy's flank.

"Well done, thou Saxon eagle!" exclaimed Rodolph, eagerly, seeing the
discomfited foe staggering before this unexpected and vigorous attack.
"Henry of Stramen, ride to the duke, and tell him he has won the day."

Rodolph, surrounded by some of his barons, among whom were the lords of
Hers and Stramen and Gilbert, was posted upon a little knoll, watching
the progress of the fight, when Henry returned with O