Upon one side of the city the lake, or morass, was traversed by a few difficult and narrow pathways, mostly under water, and by a running stream which could only be passed in boats.  The Constable, in consequence of this information received from Coligny, set out from La Fere upon the 8th of August, with four thousand infantry and two thousand horse.  Halting his troops at the village of Essigny, he advanced in person to the edge of the morass, in order to reconnoitre the ground and prepare his plans.  The result was a determination to attempt the introduction of men and supplies into the town by the mode suggested.  Leaving his troops drawn up in battle array, he returned to La Fere for the remainder of his army, and to complete his preparations.  Coligny in the mean time was to provide boats for crossing the stream.  Upon the 10th August, which was the festival of St. Laurence, the Constable advanced with four pieces of heavy artillery, four culverines, and four lighter pieces, and arrived at nine o’clock in the morning near the Faubourg d’Isle, which was already in possession of the Spanish troops.  The whole army of the Constable consisted of twelve thousand German, with fifteen companies of French infantry; making in all some sixteen thousand foot, with five thousand cavalry in addition.  The Duke of Savoy’s army lay upon the same side of the town, widely extended, and stretching beyond the river and the morass.  Montmorency’s project was to be executed in full view of the enemy.  Fourteen companies of Spaniards were stationed in the faubourg.  Two companies had been pushed forward as far as a water-mill, which lay in the pathway of the advancing Constable.  These soldiers stood their ground for a moment, but soon retreated, while a cannonade was suddenly opened by the French upon the quarters of the Duke of Savoy.  The Duke’s tent was torn to pieces, and he had barely time to hurry on his cuirass, and to take refuge with Count Egmont.  The Constable, hastening to turn this temporary advantage to account at once, commenced the transportation of his troops across the morass.  The enterprise was, however, not destined to be fortunate.  The number of boats which had been provided was very inadequate; moreover they were very small, and each as it left the shore was consequently so crowded with soldiers that it was in danger of being swamped.  Several were overturned, and the men perished.  It was found also that the opposite bank was steep and dangerous.  Many who had crossed the river were unable to effect a landing, while those who escaped drowning in the water lost their way in the devious and impracticable paths, or perished miserably in the treacherous quagmires.  Very few effected their entrance into the town, but among them was Andelot, brother of Coligny, with five hundred followers.  Meantime, a council of officers was held in Egmont’s tent.  Opinions were undecided as to the course to be pursued under the circumstances.  Should