Luxemburg, however, was determined to try whether even this position could be maintained against the superior numbers and the impetuous valour of his soldiers.  Soon after sunrise the roar of cannon began to be heard.  William’s batteries did much execution before the French artillery could be so placed as to return the fire.  It was eight o’clock before the close fighting began.  The village of Neerwinden was regarded by both commanders as the point on which every thing depended.  There an attack was made by the French left wing commanded by Montchevreuil, a veteran officer of high reputation, and by Berwick, who, though young, was fast rising to a high place among the captains of his time.  Berwick led the onset, and forced his way into the village, but was soon driven out again with a terrible carnage.  His followers fled or perished; he, while trying to rally them, and cursing them for not doing their duty better, was surrounded by foes.  He concealed his white cockade, and hoped to be able, by the help of his native tongue, to pass himself off as an officer of the English army.  But his face was recognised by one of his mother’s brothers, George Churchill, who held on that day the command of a brigade.  A hurried embrace was exchanged between the kinsmen; and the uncle conducted the nephew to William, who, as long as every thing seemed to be going well, remained in the rear.  The meeting of the King and the captive, united by such close domestic ties, and divided by such inexpiable injuries, was a strange sight.  Both behaved as became them.  William uncovered, and addressed to his prisoner a few words of courteous greeting.  Berwick’s only reply was a solemn bow.  The King put on his hat; the Duke put on his hat; and the cousins parted for ever.

By this time the French, who had been driven in confusion out of Neerwinden, had been reinforced by a division under the command of the Duke of Bourbon, and came gallantly back to the attack.  William, well aware of the importance of this post, gave orders that troops should move thither from other parts of his line.  This second conflict was long and bloody.  The assailants again forced an entrance into the village.  They were again driven out with immense slaughter, and showed little inclination to return to the charge.

Meanwhile the battle had been raging all along the entrenchments of the allied army.  Again and again Luxemburg brought up his troops within pistolshot of the breastwork; but he could bring them no nearer.  Again and again they recoiled from the heavy fire which was poured on their front and on their flanks.  It seemed that all was over.  Luxemburg retired to a spot which was out of gunshot, and summoned a few of his chief officers to a consultation.  They talked together during some time; and their animated gestures were observed with deep interest by all who were within sight.

At length Luxemburg formed his decision.  A last attempt must be made to carry Neerwinden; and the invincible household troops, the conquerors of Steinkirk, must lead the way.