There were various preliminary and sanguinary sorties and skirmishes, during which the Spaniards after having been once driven from the island, again occupied that position.

Archbishop Ernest came into the camp, and, before proceeding to a cannonade, Parma offered to the city certain terms of capitulation, which were approved by that prelate.

Kloet replied to this proposal, that he was wedded to the town and to his honour, which were as one.

These he was incapable of sacrificing, but his life he was ready to lay down.

There was, through some misapprehension, a delay in reporting this answer to Farnese.
Meantime that general became impatient, and advanced to the battery of the Italian regiment.