He showed them that were he to fall back with his army he should be able to effect a junction with the troops under his generals, and would ere long be in a position to offer battle to Wallenstein upon more equal terms, but that were he to do so he would be forced to abandon the city to the vengeance of the Imperialists.

He told them that did he remain before the city he must to a great extent be dependent upon them for food and supplies, as he would be beleaguered by Wallenstein, and should be unable to draw food and forage from the surrounding country; he could therefore only maintain himself by the aid of the cordial goodwill and assistance of the citizens.
The people of Nuremberg were true to the side they had chosen, and placed the whole of their resources at his disposal.

Gustavus at once set his army to work to form a position in which he could confront the overwhelming forces of the enemy.

Round the city, at a distance of about thirteen hundred yards from it, he dug a ditch, nowhere less than twelve feet wide and eight deep, but, where most exposed to an attack, eighteen feet wide and twelve deep.

Within the circuit of this ditch he erected eight large forts and connected them with a long and thick earthen parapet strengthened with bastions.