The act of caution came too late.
This was the fatal point which the quick glance of Egmont had at once detected.

As Nevers reached the spot, two thousand of the enemy's cavalry rode through and occupied the narrow passage.

Inflamed by mortification and despair, Nevers would have at once charged those troops, although outnumbering his own by nearly, four to one.

His officers restrained him with difficulty, recalling to his memory the peremptory orders which he had received from the Constable to guard the passage, but on no account to hazard an engagement, until sustained by the body of the army.

It was a case in which rashness would have been the best discretion.