The Earl had taken some forts in the Batavia--Betuwe; or "good meadow," which he pronounced as fertile and about as large as Herefordshire,--and was now threatening Nymegen, a city which had been gained for Philip by the last effort of Schenk, on the royalist side.

He was now observing Alexander's demonstrations against Grave; but, after the recent success in victualling that place, he felt a just confidence in its security.
On the 31st May the trenches were commenced, and on the 5th June the batteries were opened.

The work went rapidly forward when Farnese was in the field.

"The Prince of Parma doth batter it like a Prince," said Lord North, admiring the enemy with the enthusiasm of an honest soldier: On the 6th of June, as Alexander rode through the camp to reconnoitre, previous to an attack.

A well-directed cannon ball carried away the hinder half, of his horse.