The cessation of arms was renewed from day to day, as the parley was prolonged by the garrison until the 3d of March, in expectation of being relieved by king Alphonso. But when they found all hopes of relief vain, and that the batteries were about to recommence with more violence than ever, they were forced to abandon themselves to the mercy of the king, into whose hands they surrendered themselves. He allowed them to keep their baggage; but all artillery, stores, and provisions, were to remain in the castle, which he immediately re-garrisoned with his troops, and with able captains, for its defence. During the king's stay at that pleasant place Poggio-Réalé, the daughter of the duchess of Melfy[1], in company with her mother, came thither, mounted on a superb courser of La Puglia, and throwing the bridle on his neck, made him gallop four or five long courses; after which she made him curvet and bound, as well as the most excellent rider could have done, which pleased the king very much,--and he made her a handsome present. Monday, the 4th of March, the king had the Castel del Ovo besieged, and strongly battered on the land side; the others were surrounded by the sea. This day, the king heard mass at the carthusian convent, and dined with the lord of Clerieux[2]: he afterwards visited the siege of the Castel del Ovo, of which the artillery had already destroyed great part,--for the canoniers had performed their duty wonderfully well, insomuch that about five o'clock in the afternoon the garrison demanded a parley. The king being there in person, consented to it, and sent thither the lords de Foix and de Miolan, who having heard their proposals, carried them to the king while at supper.