They, moreover, took two very rash and very grave resolutions--to guarantee the people against all violence on account of their creeds, and to engage a force of German soldiery, four thousand horse and forty companies of infantry by, "wart geld" or retaining wages.

It was evident that these gentlemen were disposed to go fast and far.

If they had been ready in the spring to receive their baptism of wine, the "beggars" were now eager for the baptism of blood.

At the same time it must be observed that the levies which they proposed, not to make, but to have at command, were purely for defence.

In case the King, as it was thought probable, should visit the Netherlands with fire and sword, then there would be a nucleus of resistance already formed.
Upon the 18th July, the Prince of Orange, at the earnest request of the Regent, met a committee of the confederated nobles at Duffel.