Here, however, they were to deal, not only with the ocean and darkness, but with a watchful and determined foe.

The Zealanders were aware that the enterprise was in contemplation, and their vessels lay about the contiguous waters in considerable force.

Nevertheless, the determination of the Grand Commander was hailed with enthusiasm by his troops.

Having satisfied himself by personal experiment that the enterprise was possible, and that therefore his brave soldiers could accomplish it, he decided that the glory of the achievement should be fairly shared, as before, among the different nations which served the King.
After completing his preparations, Requesens came to Tholen, at which rendezvous were assembled three thousand infantry, partly Spaniards, partly Germans, partly Walloons.

Besides these, a picked corps of two hundred sappers and miners was to accompany the expedition, in order that no time might be lost in fortifying themselves as soon as they had seized possession of Schouwen.