Here he found his progress completely arrested.

On that night, which was the 12th July, he held a council of officers.

It was determined to refuse the combat offered, and, if possible, to escape at low tide along the sands toward Calais.

The next morning he crossed the river Aa, below Gravelines.

Egmont, who was not the man, on that occasion at least, to build a golden bridge for a flying enemy, crossed the same stream just above the town, and drew up his whole force in battle array.