"There were very few patriots," he had said, "but plenty of priests, with no lack of inexperienced lads--some looking for distinction, and others for pelf." The two armies had been mustered in the latter days of January.

The Pope had issued a bull for the benefit of Don John, precisely similar to those formerly employed in the crusades against the Saracens.

Authority was given him to levy contributions upon ecclesiastical property, while full absolution, at the hour of death, for all crimes committed during a whole lifetime, was proclaimed to those who should now join the standard of the Cross.

There was at least no concealment.

The Crescent-wearing Zealanders had been taken at their word, and the whole nation of Netherlanders were formally banned as unbelievers.