He brought with him as escort some 10,000 men, counting horse and infantry.

The total of the troops which obeyed his word in Italy might be computed at about 27,000, including Spanish cavalry and foot-soldiers, German lansknechts and Italian mercenaries.

This large army, partly stationed in important posts of defence, partly in movement, was sufficient to make every word of his a law.

The French were in no position to interfere with his arrangements.

His brother Ferdinand, King of Bohemia and Hungary, was engaged in a doubtful contest with Soliman before the gates of Vienna.
He was himself the most considerable potentate in Germany, then distracted by the struggles of the Reformation.