so that, rallying on all hands, the troops poured in upon the enemy from every quarter, sabre in hand, and drove them back in their turn. Many were killed during this close engagement, and such as fled, were cut in pieces ; for the Norman officers ordered no quarter to be given. Thus was the battle restored, solely by the intrepidity of the Duke, on that part ; while on every other, the fight was exceeding fierce and obstinate, without any visible advantage.
On this occasion, Robert, foil to the famous Count de Beaumont, with Toustain du Bee Crespin, Roger Montgomery, and William Mallet, performed prodigies of valour ; but the example of William was beyond all. He was, in a manner, every where, and flew like lightning into those places where was the greatest danger. He encouraged with his voice and with his hand to press forward. His sword was streaming with gore, and his armour all covered with blood and dust. He had three horses killed under him, and one, by so furious a stroke, that the hatchet, after cutting off the head, pierced deep into -
