Here, at the junction of the river and the sea, lay the perpetual hope of Antwerp, for in all these creeks and currents swarmed the fleets of the Zeelanders, that hardy and amphibious race, with which few soldiers or mariners could successfully contend, on land or water.
Even from the beginning of the year 1584 Parma had been from time to time threatening Antwerp.

The victim instinctively felt that its enemy was poising and hovering over head, although he still delayed to strike.
Early in the summer Sainte Aldegonde, Recorder Martini, and other official personages, were at Delft, upon the occasion of the christening ceremonies of Frederic Henry, youngest child of Orange.

The Prince, at that moment, was aware of the plans of Parma, and held a long conversation with his friends upon the measures which he desired to see immediately undertaken.

Unmindful of his usual hospitality, he insisted that these gentlemen should immediately leave for Antwerp.

Alexander Farnese, he assured them, had taken the firm determination to possess himself of that place, without further delay.