Perhaps this was the main reason for the result, which seems at first almost inexplicable.

For protection against the Spanish invasion, the burghers relied on mercenaries, some of whom proved treacherous, while the rest became panic-struck.

On the present occasion the burghers relied on themselves.

Moreover, the French committed the great error of despising their enemy.

Recollecting the ease with which the Spaniards had ravished the city, they believed that they had nothing to do but to enter and take possession.