The latter found himself isolated in his revolt, shut up within the limits of his government, between the two armies of the king, who was marching in person against him.

Calculations had been based upon an uprising of several provinces and the adhesion of several governors, amongst others of the aged Duke of Epernon, who had sent to Monsieur to say, "I am his very humble servant; let him place himself in a position to be served;" but no one moved, the king every day received fresh protestations of fidelity, and the Duke of Epernon had repaired to Montauban to keep that restless city to its duty, and to prevent any attempt from being made in the province.
At three leagues' distance from Castelnaudary, Marshal Schomberg was besieging a castle called St.

Felix-de-Carmain, which held out for the Duke of Orleans.

Montmorency advanced to the aid of the place; he had two thousand foot and three thousand horse; and the Duke of Orleans accompanied him with a large number of gentlemen.

The marshal had won over the defenders of St.Felix, and he was just half a league from Castelnaudary when he encountered the rebel army.