It should be observed , however, that no less than four retreats are enumerated in the Roman de Rou as having taken place -- each 'having distinct features of its own : 1st, the disorderly flight of the Mal Fosse, which certainly was unpremeditated on the part of the Normans; but it may be that the loss that the English themselves suffered in regaining their position after inflicting this disaster on the Normans may have suggested to the wily Norman leaders the policy of simulating a similar rout, carefully providing against its being converted into a real defeat by stationing a large force in reserve.
This pretended retreat then was the second, and although we do not gather from the Roman de Rou , that it was at once successful -- as the entrenchments seem still to have been held -- yet it is clear that the very great loss the English suffered when set upon by fresh troops, and hurled back to their defences, so weakened them in point of numbers that they were unable to man their barricades with an adequate force, so that the Normans were at length able to pierce through at a weak and comparatively unguarded point. The Normans having once penetrated in force it became inevitable that the English should fall back upon the heights in their rear, corresponding to some extent with the ground now occupied by the Abbey. These no doubt were also palisaded, and -- being naturally strong -- the Normans formed again just below those heights preparatory to an assault on this last defence. The heights facing the south are so steep that they needed but little artifical strengthening, -
