Four hours before noon
Twelve times he charged at the head of the Sacred Guard , and more than once penetrated to the very pavilion of Alp Arslan . In vain he endeavoured singly , and hand to hand , to meet that famous chieftain . Both monarchs fought in the ranks , and yet Fate decided that their scimitars should never cross . Four hours before noon , it was evident to Alroy , that , unless Scherirah arrived , he could not prevail against the vast superiority of numbers . He was obliged early to call his reserve into the field , and although the number of the slain on the side of Arslan exceeded any in the former victories of the Hebrews , still the Karasmians maintained an immense front , which was constantly supplied by fresh troops . Confident in his numbers , and aware of the weakness of his antagonists , Arslan contented himself with acting on the defensive , and wearying his assailants by resisting their terrible and repeated charge . For a moment , Alroy at the head of the Sacred Guard had withdrawn from the combat .