He stayed there three months.

During this time, he "did more," says a Spanish contemporary, "than any one could have believed possible with that proud and indomitable nation.

He caused them to declare war against France with fire and sword, by sea and land." Hostilities having been thus chivalrously and formally established, the Queen sent an army of eight thousand men, cavalry, infantry, and pioneers, who, "all clad in blue uniform," commanded by Lords Pembroke and Clinton, with the three sons of the Earl of Northumberland, and officered by many other scions of England's aristocracy, disembarked at Calais, and shortly afterwards joined the camp before Saint Quentin.
Philip meantime had left England, and with more bustle and activity than was usual with him, had given directions for organizing at once a considerable army.

It was composed mainly of troops belonging to the Netherlands, with the addition of some German auxiliaries.

Thirty-five thousand foot and twelve thousand horse had, by the middle of July, advanced through the province of Namur, and were assembled at Givet under the Duke of Savoy, who, as Governor-General of the Netherlands, held the chief command.