The battery was opened, the mines previously excavated were sprung, a part of the demilune was blown into the air, and the assailants sprang into the breach.

Again a furious hand-to-hand conflict succeeded; again, after an obstinate resistance, the townspeople were forced to yield.

Slowly abandoning the shattered fort, they retired behind the breastwork in its rear--their innermost and last defence.

To this barrier they clung as to a spar in shipwreck, and here at last they stood at bay, prepared dearly to sell their lives.
The breastwork, being still strong, was not attempted upon that day.

The assailants were recalled, and in the mean time a herald was sent by Parma, highly applauding the courage of the defenders, and begging them to surrender at discretion.