He was in a "Babylon of disgust," in a "Hell," surrounded by "drunkards," "wineskins," "scoundrels," and the like.

From the moment of his arrival he had strained every nerve to retain the Spanish troops, and to send them away by sea when it should be no longer feasible to keep them.

Escovedo shared in the sentiments and entered fully into the schemes of his chief.

The plot, the secret enterprise, was the great cause of the advent of Don John in the uncongenial clime of Flanders.

It had been, therefore, highly important, in his estimation, to set, as soon as possible, about the accomplishment of this important business.