Turenne, after seeing the Poitou regiment take up its post, occupied himself in reforming the remains of the other regiments, and raising their spirits by warm words of commendation at the manner in which they had fought, until assured that they in turn could, if necessary, join the first line if it were forced to give way.  When he had done this he rejoined Hector, who had dismounted and moved backwards and forwards among the men, seeing that the gaps caused by the enemy’s fire were constantly filled up, and encouraging the soldiers with praise and exhortations.  Turenne sat upon his horse some paces behind the rear line.  When he saw the Bavarian infantry draw aside, and heard the roar of the cavalry charge, his lips tightened, and he half turned his horse as if to call up the regiments behind.  When, however, he saw the lines that had hitherto been in rear take up their place in front and stand there quiet and immovable, the look of irresolution passed from his face, and, after the Bavarian horse had fallen back, shattered by their volleys, he pressed a pace or two forward and shouted, “Regiment of Poitou, I thank you in the name of France; never saw I a regiment fight more bravely or steadily!”

The men responded with a loud cheer to this praise from one whom all respected and loved.  Turenne then rode up to Hector.

“Splendidly done, Colonel Campbell!  I had rather wondered why you kept half your men idle in such a fight; I now understand why you did so.  Had all been firing, three-quarters of their muskets would have been empty, and you would possibly have been overthrown.  It was a stroke of genius.  I may have taught you many lessons in war, but tonight you have given me one.”

Turenne remained with the regiment till the end of the fight, and marked with approval the way in which each line fought by turns, while the other remained behind them ready to receive the charges of the cavalry.  As soon as the Bavarians drew off he saw that all the wounded were carried to the rear, where the surgeons rendered what aid was possible, while the rest of the troops threw themselves down to snatch a few hours’ sleep.  When, three hours later, Enghien’s troops came down from the hill they had won, Turenne’s force marched out from the defile.  Turenne mounted his horse, and, calling upon Hector to follow him, rode forward with his principal officers to meet Enghien.

“It has been a terrible battle, prince, and if your loss equals mine the victory has indeed been won at a terrible cost.”

“Mine has been heavy, too,” Enghien said, “but we have gained our object.”

“Not wholly,” Turenne replied, “for Merci has taken up a position as strong as that from which we have driven him.”