But the duke of Savoy, falling on the reenforcement, did such execution upon them, that not above five hundred got into the place.
He next made an attack on the French army, and put them to total rout, killing four thousand men, and dispersing the remainder.

In this unfortunate action many of the chief nobility of France were either slain or taken prisoners: among the latter was the old constable himself, who, fighting valiantly, and resolute to die rather than survive his defeat, was surrounded by the enemy, and thus fell alive into their hands.

The whole kingdom of France was thrown into consternation: Paris was attempted to be fortified in a hurry: and had the Spaniards presently marched thither, it could not have failed to fall into their hands.

But Philip was of a cautious temper; and he determined first to take St.Quintin, in order to secure a communication with his own dominions.

A very little time, it was expected, would finish this enterprise; but the bravery of Coligny still prolonged the siege seventeen days, which proved the safety of France.