The velvet and brocade extorted from the rich citizens of Antwerp, now hung tattered and faded around their sinewy limbs.

They looked like foot-pads, vagabonds, pirates, yet sat, as military custom required, exactly in the order of their rank; on the march and in the camp, every insurgent willingly obeyed the orders of the new leader, who by the fortune of war had thrown pairs-royal on the drumhead.
One thing was certain: some decisive action must be taken.

Every one needed doublets and shoes, money and good lodgings.

But in what way could these be most easily procured?
By parleying and submitting on acceptable conditions, said some; by remaining free and capturing a city, roared others; first wealthy Mechlin, which could be speedily reached.

There they could get what they wanted without money.