The Marquis del Vasto rode at the head of the forces surrounded by a band of mounted arquebus men.

The cavalry, under the famous Epirote chief George Crescia, Hannibal Gonzaga, Bentivoglio, Sesa, Conti, and other distinguished commanders, followed; the columns of pikemen and musketeers lined the hedge-rows on both sides the causeway; while between them the long train of waggons came slowly along under their protection.

The whole force had got in motion after having sent notice of their arrival to Verdugo, who, with one or two thousand men, was expected to sally forth almost immediately from the city-gate.
There was but brief time for deliberation.

Notwithstanding the tremendous odds there was no thought of retreat.

Black Norris called to Sir William Stanley, with whom he had been at variance so lately at Doesburg.
"There hath been ill-blood between us," he said.