reached the great cheval-de-frise, formed by felled trees, in
front of the intrenchments, they could make no further progress,
so heavy was the fire maintained by the enemy.

Enghien, seeing this, dismounted, placed himself at the head of
the regiment of Conde, and led them forward, while Marshal Gramont
and the officers did the same. Encouraged by this example, the
troops were filled with enthusiasm, and, following their leaders
unfalteringly, made their way through the cheval-de-frise,
and, pressing forward without a pause, obtained possession of the
intrenchments, driving the Bavarians into the woods behind. The
battle had lasted three hours, and had cost the Bavarians three
thousand men, while the French suffered at least equally.

Turenne's force had been as hotly engaged. Merci, the best general
in the Austrian army, had foreseen that an attempt might be made
through the defile, and had posted strong bodies of infantry among
the trees on either side.

As soon as Turenne entered the defile he was encountered by a heavy
fire from his unseen foes, who, falling back through the trees
as he advanced, continued to gain strength. Turenne had to fight
every foot of his way in order to dislodge the enemy, and it was
not until Enghien had brought the battle to a conclusion on his
side, that Turenne arrived and, forcing the intrenchments guarding
the mouth of the defile, found himself in contact with Merci, who
was now able to concentrate his whole force against him. The combat
was a furious one. The troops were engaged at but forty paces
apart, and sometimes had hand-to-hand encounters. Merci brought
the whole of his cavalry into play, but Turenne was unable to use