A large German army under Alva besieged Metz, but failed to overcome the brilliant defence of Francis of Guise.

Worn by the attrition of repulsed assaults and of disease the imperial army melted away.

When the siege was finally raised Guise distinguished himself as much by the humanity with which he cared for wounded and sick enemies as he had by his military prowess.
Six years later Guise added fresh laurels to his fame and new possessions to France by the conquest of Calais and Guines, the last English possessions in French territory.

The loss of Calais, which had been held by England since the Hundred Years War, was an especially bitter blow to the islanders.

These victories were partly counterbalanced by the defeats of French armies at St.Quentin on the Somme [Sidenote: 1557] and by Egmont at Gravelines.