The French centre, led by Lannes, began to push back the Prussian lines on the village named Vierzehn Heiligen.

It was in vain that Hohenlohe's choice squadrons flung themselves on the serried masses in front: the artillery and musketry fire disordered them, while French dragoons were ready to profit by their confusion.

The village was lost, then retaken by a rally of the Prussians, then lost again when Ney was reinforced; and when the full vigour of the French attack was developed by the advance of Soult and Augereau on either wing, Napoleon launched his reserves, his Guard, and Murat's squadrons on the disordered lines.

The impact was irresistible, and Hohenlohe's force was swept away.

Then it was that Ruechel's force drew near, and strove to stem the rout.