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 an engagement be risked, or should the Constable, who had but indifferently accomplished his project and had introduced but an insignificant number of troops into the city, be allowed to withdraw with the rest of his army?  The fiery vehemence of Egmont carried all before it.  Here was an opportunity to measure arms at advantage with the great captain of the age.  To relinquish the prize, which the fortune of war had now placed within reach of their valor, was a thought not to be entertained.  Here was the great Constable Montmorency, attended by princes of the royal blood, the proudest of the nobility, the very crown and flower of the chivalry of France, and followed by an army of her bravest troops.  On a desperate venture he had placed himself within their grasp.  Should he go thence alive and unmolested?  The moral effect of destroying such an army would be greater than if it were twice its actual strength.  It would be dealing a blow at the very heart of France, from which she could not recover.  Was the opportunity to be resigned without a struggle of laying at the feet of Philip, in this his first campaign since his accession to his father’s realms, a prize worthy of the proudest hour of the Emperor’s reign?  The eloquence of the impetuous Batavian was irresistible, and it was determined to cut off the Constable’s retreat.

Three miles from the Faubourg d’Isle, to which that general had now advanced, was a narrow pass or defile, between steep and closely hanging hills.  While advancing through this ravine in the morning, the Constable had observed that the enemy might have it in their power to intercept his return at that point.  He had therefore left the Rhinegrave, with his company of mounted carabineers, to guard the passage.  Being ready to commence his retreat, he now sent forward the Due de Nevers, with four companies of cavalry