We were just in time, for two hundred and fifty cuirassiers came galloping along.
"Their leader, Baron de Mercy, as soon as the troops began to enter Saint Margaret's gate, was ordered to dash round and capture the Po gate, through which Vaudemont's corps would, after crossing the bridge, enter the town.

He shouted to me to surrender, promising us our lives.

I told him that if he wanted the place, he would have to come and take it.

He used language which I need not repeat, but he did not attack us, waiting for the arrival of four hundred infantry, who had been ordered to follow him.

They were some time in coming up, having lost their way, owing to the rascally native who was their guide being killed by a shot from a window.
"I was not sorry for the delay, for it gave us time to look at matters quietly, and prepare for defence.