About noon
Marching to a spot where a bridge crossed a narrow river he placed half his infantry in ambush there ; the other half a quarter of a mile further back . Two hundred light cavalry were sent forward to beat up the enemy 's outposts , and then retreat ; the rest of the cavalry were posted in the rear of the infantry . Another dyke ran nearly parallel with the first , falling into it at some distance in the rear of Vere 's position , and here Prince Maurice stationed himself with a body of horse and foot to cover Vere 's retreat should he be obliged to fall back . About noon the light cavalry skirmished with the enemy and fell back , but were not followed . About half an hour later the scouts brought word that the Spaniards were at hand . Suddenly and without orders 800 of Maurice 's cavalry galloped off to meet the enemy ; but they soon came back again at full speed , with a strong force of Spanish cavalry in pursuit . Vere 's infantry at once sallied out from their ambush among the trees , poured their fire into the enemy , and charged them with their pikes .