The rout was sudden and total.

The onset and the victory were simultaneous, Nevers riding through a hollow with some companies of cavalry, in the hope of making a detour and presenting a new front to the enemy, was overwhelmed at once by the retreating French and their furious pursuers.

The day was lost, retreat hardly possible, yet, by a daring and desperate effort, the Duke, accompanied by a handful of followers, cut his way through the enemy and effected his escape.

The cavalry had been broken at the first onset and nearly destroyed.

A portion of the infantry still held firm, and attempted to continue their retreat.