A splendid soldier, his evil stars had destined him to tread, as a politician, a dark and dangerous path, in which not even genius, caution, and integrity could ensure success, but in which rashness alternating with hesitation, and credulity with violence, could not fail to bring ruin.

Such was Count Egmont, as he took his place at the-head of the king's cavalry in the summer of 1557.
The early operations of the Duke of Savoy were at first intended to deceive the enemy.

The army, after advancing as far into Picardy as the town of Vervins, which they burned and pillaged, made a demonstration with their whole force upon the city of Guise.

This, however, was but a feint, by which attention was directed and forces drawn off from Saint Quentin, which was to be the real point of attack In the mean time, the Constable of France, Montmorency, arrived upon the 28th July (1557), to take command of the French troops.

He was accompanied by the Marechal de Saint Andre and by Admiral Coligny.