There was a short struggle, then the French withdrew at the gallop, wheeled and charged.
The Dutch backed before them, and as they swept to the foot of the wood a volley from the guns their cavalry had galloped aside to make way for sent back half the horses riderless.
The French were too well trained to show confusion; this was a fiercer defence, however, than they had expected.
M. de Soubise hurled forward two more companies and himself advanced with his own light horse.
This fresh and hot onslaught almost overpowered the Dutch horse; they were driven back almost to the mouths of their own guns.
The Prince sent out the Spanish cavalry to the rescue, and placed a regiment of foot behind the gunners where they could pick off the French cavalry from the cover of the trees.
M. de Soubise, unable to make much use of his artillery, had thrown out his left wing, composed of brigadiers and guns, in a half circle to attempt to storm the wood where the ground was flat and a small cottage the only vantage spot.
William, perceiving this, sent M. Bentinck to the assistance of the officer occupying the cottage, and himself rode up to M. D’Aylva, who was commanding the troops held in reserve.
“The French are magnificent,” he said, “but our men fight very well.”
He was flushed and excited, his eyes dark and wide open.