Some forty or fifty riders bit the dust, but the rest swept on, sabred the gunners, and decided the day.

The Spaniards, amazed at these unheard-of tactics, took to their heels, and nothing now stayed Napoleon's entry into Madrid (December 4th).

There he strove to popularize Joseph's rule by offering several desirable reforms, such as the abolition of feudal laws and of the Inquisition.

It was of no avail.

The Spaniards would have none of them at his hands.
After a brief stay in Madrid, he turned to crush Sir John Moore.