The inhabitants, animated by the presence of king Charles, made a vigorous defence; and the garrison was reinforced with some troops from Gironne and other places.

But, after the fort of Montjuic was taken, the place was so hard pressed, that Charles ran the utmost risk of falling into the hands of the enemy; for the carl of Peterborough, who had marched from Valencia with two thousand men, found it impracticable to enter the city.

Nevertheless, he maintained his post upon the hills; and, with surprising courage and activity, kept the besiegers in continual alarm.

At length, sir John Leake sailed from Lisbon with thirty ships of the line; and on the eighth day of May arrived in sight of Barcelona.

The French admiral no sooner received intelligence of his approach, than he set sail for Toulon.