Alva sailed from Cartagena (April 27) for Genoa, and proceeded at once to draw together from the various Spanish garrisons in Italy a picked body of some 12,000 men.

With these he set out in June for his long march across the Alps and through Burgundy, Lorraine and Luxemburg.
His progress, jealously watched by the French and Swiss, met with no opposition save for the difficulties of the route.

He entered the Netherlands on August 8, with his army intact.

A number of notables, amongst whom was Egmont, came to meet him on his way to Brussels.

He received them, more particularly Egmont, with every appearance of graciousness.