Nothing now remained for the French but a speedy retreat, while the gallant Reille could still hold Graham's superior force at bay.
There, too, the fight at last swirled back, albeit with many a rallying eddy, into Vittoria.

That town was no place of refuge, but a death-trap; for Graham had pushed on a detachment to Durana, on the high-road leading direct to France, and thus blocked the main line of retreat.

Joseph's army was now in pitiable plight.

Pent up in the choked streets of Vittoria, torn by cannon-shot from the English lines, the wreckage of its three armies for a time surged helplessly to and fro, and then broke away eastwards towards Pamplona.

On that side only was safety to be found, for British hussars scoured the plain to the north-east, lending wings to the flight.