Bullets and cannonballs rained on the besiegers, the walls seemed on fire. Some of the Genevese fell where they stood; others, who were wounded, retired out of gunshot, and sat down mournfully by the road-side. At this moment it was reported that M. de Lugrin, who commanded at Gex, was approaching with his troops. As the Genevans were about to be caught between two fires, the commanders ordered a retreat. Everybody crowded to the gates to receive the discomfited force. What a disaster! women looking for their husbands, mothers for their sons! 'What remedy can be found for the ills that now oppress us?' was the cry. The voices of the Reformers revived their drooping spirits, and said: 'God will do other and greater things. He will deliver you from your enemies, but by other means which you do not understand, in order that the honor may be entirely paid to Him, and not to your human enterprises and artillery.'[493] The Genevans neglected nothing for their defence. They took the bells from the convents and cast them into cannon; they cleared away the walls of the faubourgs which still existed; they established a permanent force to protect the open country and seek provisions; and, finally, sent away the traitors whom they found in the city. They trusted in God, but they wished to be ready for battle. [473] _Archives générales du royaume d'Italie à Turin._—Genève, paquet 14. [474] The four syndics were A. Chicand, the intrepid huguenot Ami Bandière, Hudriod du Molard, and Jean Philippin: the last only, who was chosen from a feeling of equity, inclined to the catholic side. [475] A. Porral, J. Philippe, F. Favre, S. Coquet, d'Adda, Cl. Savoye, J. Lullin, and Et. de Chapeaurouge. [476] Registres du Conseil des 7 et 8 Février 1525.—Froment, _Gestes le Genève_, p. 131 [477] Registres du Conseil du 12 Février 1535. [478] Roundabout. [479] 'Unum pictonem nemoreum.' (Lawyer's Latin.) Registres du Conseil du 14 Février 1535. [480] Registres du Conseil du 14 Février 1535. [481] _Commencement de l'Hérésie dans Genève_, p. 105. [482] Registres du Conseil des 13, 14, 21 Février et 6 Mars. [483] _Commencement de l'Hérésie_, pp. 106 and 108. [484] See Vol. IV. book vii. ch. 10. [485] Crespin, _Actes des Martyrs_, art. P. Gaudet, p. 114. [486] Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, p. 172. [487] Crespin, _Martyrologue_, p. 114. [488] 'Dont onques on ouyt parler en ce pays.' [489] Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, p. 173. [490] Letter from the Council of Geneva to Porral, ambassador at Berne, 29th June, 1535. [491] 'S'en alloynt, pleurant et gémissant en leurs maysons, estant marrys d'ung tel oultraige.' [492] Registres du Conseil du 29 Juin 1525.—Crespin, _Actes des Martyrs_, p. 114.—Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, p. 173. [493] Registres du Conseil des 4, 7, 10, 17, 18, Mai 1535.—Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, pp. 177, 178.—Jeanne de Jussie, _Commencement de l'Hérésie dans Genève_, pp. 114, 115.