were occupied by them; and as their front was covered by the fire
of the guns from the fortress, as well as by that of the infantry
on the hill, he considered the position to be impregnable, and
therefore placed the main body of his army at the edge of the flat
top of the hill, a strong body behind a wood about halfway up the
slope, and his cavalry extended from that point to the walls of
the city.

After reconnoitering the position, Enghien determined to make two
attacks, one on the trenches between the foot of the hill and the
town, and the other on the rows of felled trees at the foot of the
mountain. A false attack was to be made between the two points.
Turenne's force advanced nearly to the foot of the hill, the prince's
army followed him, and also took up its position. But just as the
attack was about to be made a great tumult was heard on the hill,
and Enghien and Turenne rode to a neighbouring height in order to
ascertain what was going on, leaving strict orders that no movement
was to be made until their return. Count d'Espenan, who commanded
the two advanced regiments of Enghien's army, however, ordered
a detachment to attack a redoubt which stood within the line of
attack, and Merci sent supports to its defenders.

D'Espenan sent more troops on his side and the engagement became
serious. Suddenly the Imperialist artillery opened fire along the
whole of their line, and Enghien's troops, apparently taking this
for the signal of the beginning of the battle, moved forward
for the assault without order or leader. As they were broken and
confused by endeavouring to pass through the abattis of felled
trees, the Bavarians rushed out and drove them back with great
slaughter. Enghien and Turenne, galloping up in all haste, in vain