Small bands of men, under leaders experienced in guerilla tactics, were collected for the purpose of harassing the Burmese when- ever a chance offered. No attempt was made to hold the surrounding country, except to the south, where it was, of course, of paramount importance to maintain communication with the sea.
The three Burmese armies advanced to Ayutthaya from the north, the west and the east, arriving simultaneously early in January 1587. The siege lasted until May, and was notable on account of the resource and courage shown by Prince Naresuen and his young brother. The latter narrowly escaped death by a Burmese bullet, and the former continually carried out raids on the Burmese camps, often being seen on foot, leading his men where the 1 Brother of Bhureng Noting. The Prince of Chiengmai was held to have proved himself an incompetent General, so was placed in charge of the Commissariat Department. From the result, it would appear that he made a mess of it.
A HISTORY OF SIAM 137
Fighting was hottest, and always oblivious to danger or fatigue. It is impossible to doubt that it was the example thus set by Prince Naresuen, and nothing else, which finspired the Siamese to offer so stern a resistance against what must have seemed overwhelming odds.