377 The king of Spain had assembled an army, which, after the junction of the English, amounted to above sixty thousand men, conducted by Philibert, duke of Savoy, one of the greatest captains of the age.

The constable Montmorency, who commanded the French army, had not half the number to oppose to him.

The duke of Savoy, after menacing Mariembourgh and Rocroy, suddenly sat down before St.Quintin: and as the place was weak, and ill provided with a garrison, he expected in a few days to become master of it.

But Admiral Coligny, governor of the province, thinking his honor interested to save so important a fortress, threw himself into St.Quintin, with some troops of French and Scottish gensdarmery; and by his exhortations and example animated the soldiers to a vigorous defence.

He despatched a messenger to his uncle Montmorency, desiring a supply of men; and the constable approached the place with his whole army, in order to facilitate the entry of these succors.