It might therefore be expected that both the attack and the defence would be conducted with consummate ability.
By this time the allied armies had assembled; but it was too late.

[305] William hastened towards Namur.

He menaced the French works, first from the west, then from the north, then from the east.

But between him and the lines of circumvallation lay the army of Luxemburg, turning as he turned, and always so strongly posted that to attack it would have been the height of imprudence.

Meanwhile the besiegers, directed by the skill of Vauban and animated by the presence of Lewis, made rapid progress.
There were indeed many difficulties to be surmounted and many hardships to be endured.