This daring resolve took shape at Aosta on the 24th, when he heard that Melas was, on the 19th, still at Nice, unconscious of his doom.

The chance of ending the war at one blow was not to be missed, even if Massena had to shift for himself.
But already Melas' dream of triumph had vanished.

On the 21st, hearing the astonishing news that a large force had crossed the St.Bernard, he left 18,000 men to oppose Suchet on the Var, and hurried back with the remainder to Turin.

At the Piedmontese capital he heard that he had to deal with the First Consul; but not until the last day of May did he know that Moncey was forcing the St.Gotthard and threatening Milan.

Then, realizing the full extent of his danger, he hastily called in all the available troops in order to fight his way through to Mantua.