The two armies precipitated themselves upon each other with the utmost fury, breast to breast, swords, javelins and clubs clashing against brazen shields.

The Novgorodians had taken a solemn oath that they would conquer or die.

Three times the combatants from sheer exhaustion ceased the strife.

Three times the deadly combat was renewed with redoubled ardor.

The sky was illumined with the first rays of the morning when the battle commenced.