Though
sharing the intense excitement of the battle-field, he was not carried
away by the frenzy of the strife. Though the praises of an illustrious
enemy were sounding in his ears, he felt little of the exultation which
such a circumstance might naturally impart. He had rescued the Baron of
Stramen from imminent peril; but though the Lady Margaret's image had
been before him through the horror and glory of the day, it was only for
a moment that he thrilled at the prospect of a relenting father. His
interview with Rodolph had sunk deep into his soul, and not even the
pomp and terror of war could blot from his mind the contemplation of the
king and his solemn language. He knew not why, but he could scarce
withdraw his eyes from the snow-white crest, which, still unwearied,
hung upon the now retiring columns of the foe. The Count Rapatho had
already fallen before the fiery Rodolph, and the _Te Deum_ was hushed as
the mangled corpse was brought into Henry's camp.

Nor was Otto of Nordheim less successful. At the head of the Saxon
infantry, he had routed the legions of Franconia, and had driven numbers
into the deep and rapid river. Fruitlessly did Henry endeavor to
preserve his array and keep his ground: he was routed at every point.
The Saxons, now certain of victory, would have fallen upon and pillaged
the camp. But Otto was too old a warrior to throw caution aside because
of a partial success. "Wait a moment!" was all the veteran said, as he
checked their appetite for plunder; and the wisdom of his advice was
soon made evident. Henry de Laca, Count Palatine of the Rhine, began to
menace his rear. The troops of the count were fresh, and had been
proved in former trials. As they advanced with the rapidity and
steadiness of veterans, singing the _Kyrie eleison_, they seemed well
able to retrieve the fortunes of the day.

"Another triumph awaits us!" cried Otto; "let us trust in God!"

Without hesitating a moment, the gallant Saxon, with his wonted
impetuosity, fell upon the advancing lines, and, though stubbornly
resisted for a time, gained at last a complete victory. When the forces
of the Palatine of the Rhine had been driven across the Elster, Otto
turned to his soldiers, exclaiming:

"Now to the camp, and take the reward of your valor!"

In the meanwhile, the retreat of the Bohemians had turned into a
confused flight. Rodolph, in the eagerness of pursuit, had rashly
penetrated too far into the flying masses of th