Then the dismounted men-at-arms joined in the fight, and drove the
enemy back beyond the line. Many of the horsemen were, however,
dismounted. These joined their mounted comrades when Sir Eustace gave
the word to charge the multitude, before they could rally for a fresh
attack.
The Welsh went down in numbers before their lances, but so close was
the throng that the horsemen were brought to a stand and, slinging
their spears behind them, betook themselves to sword and mace. Great
was the slaughter of their opponents, but these pursued their former
tactics. Horse after horse rolled over in mortal agony and, as they
fell, the riders were stabbed before they could recover their feet.
Soon they were broken up into knots; and their dismounted companions,
with one accord, left the waggons and rushed into the fray, for a time
beating back the Welsh.
"It were best to dismount," Oswald cried, and he swung himself from the
saddle, just as one of the enemy hamstrung his horse. Roger and the
squire did the same, and joined the ranks of the footmen.
"Keep together!" Oswald shouted, to those within hearing; "we can cut
ourselves a passage through, in that way, while separately we shall
perish.
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