Neither of them carried lances, but were armed with swords, light battle-axes, and pistols.
Before mounting, service was held.

The pastor offered up prayers for the blessing of God upon their arms, and for his protection over each and all of them in the field.

The countess herself made them a stirring address, exhorting them to remember that they fought for the right to worship God unmolested, and for the lives of those dear to them.

Then she tenderly embraced her son and Philip, the trumpets sounded to horse, and the party rode out from the gates of the chateau.
As soon as they were away, the two young leaders took off their helmets and handed them to their attendants, who rode behind them.
Next to these came their eight bodyguards, who were followed by the captain and his troop.
"It may be that this armour will be useful, on the day of battle," Philip said; "but at present it seems to me, Francois, that I would much rather be without it." "I quite agree with you, Philip.

If we had only to fight with gentlemen armed with swords, I would gladly go into battle unprotected; but against men with lances, one needs a defence.
However, I do not care so much, now that I have got rid of the helmet; which, in truth, is a heavy burden." "Methinks, Francois, that armour will ere long be abandoned, now that arquebuses and cannon are coming more and more into use.
Against them they give no protection; and it were better, methinks, to have lightness and freedom of action, than to have the trouble of wearing all this iron stuff merely as a protection against lances.