The hired troops were placed in the first division, to bear the brunt of the fight:—
"Li Boilogneiz é li Pohiers[179]
Aureiz, è toz mes soldéiers."
The second consisted of the Poitevins and Bretons,
"E del Maine toz li Barons."
The third corps was the largest:—
"E poiz li tiers ki plus grant tint."
And this, led by William himself, appears to have held the position of a reserve:—
"E jo, od totes mes granz genz,
Et od amiz et od parenz,
Me cumbatrai par la grant presse,
U la bataille iert plus engresse[180]."
The battle was opened by the archers:—