Here we see Duke William turning to address his men. A rumour had circulated that William had been killed in the battle. His men believing they had lost their leader, were in retreat. William turned to his men, lifted the visor of his helmet to show his face and shouted: ‘Look at me. I am living and with God’s help I shall be victor! What madness leads you to flight?’ With these words William manages to rally his men and lead them to victory. The knight wielding the sword behind William might be William fitz Osbern, a relative and close counselor of William the Conqueror. He was made Earl of Hereford for his services in the Battle of Hastings.