Colonel Graham states that the Austrian rank and file laughed at their generals, and bitterly complained that they were being led to the shambles, while the officers almost openly exclaimed: "We must make peace, for we don't know how to make war." This was again apparent.
Bonaparte forestalled their attack.

Their divided forces fell an easy prey to Massena, who at Bassano cut Wuermser's force to pieces and sent the _debris_ flying down the valley of the Brenta.

Losing most of their artillery, and separated in two chief bands, the Imperialists seemed doomed to surrender: but Wuermser, doubling on his pursuers, made a dash westwards, finally cutting his way to Mantua.

There again he vainly endeavoured to make a stand.

He was driven from his positions in front of St.Georges and La Favorita, and was shut up in the town itself.