Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/160

 would be extremely difficult to pass, without reducing them; without losing a moment's time, therefore, he made a flying march to Riom, and presenting himself before it, required the governour to surrender immediately at discretion. Terrified at George's approach, he surrendered without firing a gun; but his cowardice however cost him dear, for he was afterwards shot for his behaviour, by the command of his master. George throwing a garrison into Riom, he marched with no less expedition to Clermont, and expected the same speedy success, but the Prince of that name being Lord of the town, commanded in it, and returned a haughty answer to George: his Majesty immediately surrounded the town, and at night about ten o'clock, made three violent attacks on it in different quarters: never was action more obstinately fought, but some scaling ladders break-