Don John was strengthening himself daily, through the secret agency of the Duke of Guise and his party.

His warlike genius was well known, as well as the experience of the soldiers who were fast rallying under his banner.

On the other hand, the Duke of Alencon had come to La Fere, and was also raising troops, while to oppose this crowd of rival enemies, to deal with this host of impending disasters, there was but one man in the Netherlands.

On the Prince of Orange alone could the distracted states rely.

To his prudence and valor only could the Queen look with hopeful eyes.