In a few minutes the knights were armed and mounted.

Three hundred knights and esquires were to take part in the sortie, they were to be followed by a strong body of men-at-arms.
As soon as the gates were opened a number of archers issued out, and taking their place at the edge of the moat, poured a rain of arrows upon the men working the machine and those guarding it.

Most of these took to flight at once, the remainder were cut down by the men-at-arms, who at once proceeded to hew the machine in pieces with the axes with which they were provided.

Sir Walter himself and his mounted companions dashed forward to the nearer tents of the French camps, cut down all who opposed them, and setting fire to the huts retired towards the city.
By this time the French were thoroughly alarmed, and numbers of knights and men-at-arms dashed after the little body of English cavalry.

These could have regained the place in safety, but in the chivalrous spirit of the time they disdained to retire without striking a blow.