Page:15 decisive battles of the world Vol 2 (London).djvu/51

Rh "The Normans moved on to the assault, and the English defended themselves well. Some were striking, others urging onwards; all were bold) and cast aside fear. And now, behold, that battle was gathered whereof the fame is yet mighty. "Loud and far resounded the bray of the horns; and the shocks of the lances, the mighty strokes of maces, and the quick clashing of swords. One while the Englishmen rushed on, another while they fell back ; one while the men from over sea charged onwards, and again at other times retreated. The Normans shouted Dex Aie, the English people Out. Then came the cunning manoeuvres, the rude shocks and strokes of the lance and blows of the swords, among the Serjeants and soldiers, both English and Norman. "When the English fall the Normans shout. Each side taunts and defies the other, yet neither knoweth what the other saith; and the Normans say the English bark, because they understand not their speech. "Some wax strong, others weak : the brave exult, but the cowards tremble, as men who are sore dismayed. The Normans press on the assault, and the English defend their post well: they pierce the hauberks, and cleave the shields, receive and return mighty blows. Again, some press forwards ; others yield, and thus in various