A favorite tactic when confronted by a strong enemy cavalry force involved a feigned retreat and ambush.
Flanking and/or feigned retreat if the enemy could not be handled easily was one of the most practiced techniques.
The Mongols very commonly practiced the feigned retreat, perhaps the most difficult battlefield tactic to execute.
The Franks may have gained a tactical advantage by using the "device of a feigned retreat."
Once ashore however the Spanish were met initially with light resistance mainly because a feigned retreat by the forces from Algiers.
I have seen the crocodiles repeat this manoeuvre constantly; they deceive by a feigned retreat, and then attack from below.
Thus there was value in a feigned retreat.
It's a feigned retreat to draw 'em after us.
"Milord," he tried once more, "what if it's a feigned retreat?"
The tactic could also be used during feigned retreat, with devastating effect.