It had also resisted the strenuous efforts of Charles the Fifth; and was now stronger than it ever had been.

It was thoroughly well provisioned, so that it was safe enough "if those within it," said Leicester, "be men." The Earl expressed the opinion, however, that "those fellows were not good to defend towns, unless the besiegers were obliged to swim to the attack." The issue was to show whether the sarcasm were just or not.

Meantime the town was considered by the governor-general to be secure, "unless towns were to be had for the asking." Neusz is not immediately upon the Rhine, but that river, which sweeps away in a north-easterly direction from the walls, throws out an arm which completely encircles the town.

A part of the place, cut into an island by the Erpt, was strengthened by two redoubts.

This island was abandoned, as being too weak to hold, and the Spaniards took possession of it immediately.