"Not more than Monseigneur the Prince of Orange, who is in all things of my opinion, I am sure. But I, like him, was well informed, and know well those on the other side, so that I should have been much astonished had they not attacked to-night. Then be ready, gentlemen, for if you give them time, the attack will be serious."
"These gentlemen will do me the justice to own," said the prince, "that before your arrival I held exactly the same language to them that you now do."
"But," said the burgomaster, "why does monseigneur believe that the attack is about to commence?"
"Here are the probabilities. The infantry is Catholic; it will fight alone; that is, on one side. The cavalry is Calvinist; they will fight alone on another side. The navy is under M. de Joyeuse, from Paris, who will take his share of the combat and the glory. That is three sides."
"Then let us form three corps," said the burgomaster.
"Make only one, gentlemen, with all your best soldiers, and leave any of whom you may be doubtful in close fight to guard your walls. Then with this body make a vigorous sally when Francois least expects it. They mean to attack; let them be forestalled, and attacked themselves. If you wait for their assault you are lost, for no one equals the French at an attack, as you, gentlemen, have no equals at defending your towns."
The Flemings looked radiant.
"What did I say, gentlemen?" said William.
"It is a great honor," said the unknown, "to have been, without knowing it, of the same opinion as the greatest captain of the age."
Both bowed courteously.