Nevertheless, the crusader was alive again, at the notes of warlike preparations which now resounded throughout the land.
On the 25th of January he issued a proclamation, couched in three languages--French, German, and Flemish.

He declared in this document that he had not come to enslave the provinces, but to protect them.

At the same time he meant to re-establish his Majesty's authority, and the down-trod religion of Rome.

He summoned all citizens and all soldiers throughout the provinces to join his banners, offering them pardon for their past offences, and protection against heretics and rebels.

This declaration was the natural consequence of the exchange of defiances which had already taken place, and it was evident also that the angry manifesto was soon to be followed up by vigorous blows.