The day of my departure was now arrived, to the great regret of the ladies of Mons, as well as myself.  The Countess expressed herself in terms which showed she had conceived the warmest friendship for me, and made me promise to return by way of that city.  I presented the Countess with a diamond bracelet, and to the Count I gave a riband and diamond star of considerable value.  But these presents, valuable as they were, became more so, in their estimation, as I was the donor.

Of the ladies, none accompanied me from this place, except Madame d’Aurec.  She went with me to Namur, where I slept that night, and where she expected to find her husband and the Duc d’Arscot, her brother-in-law, who had been there since the peace betwixt the King of Spain and the States of Flanders.  For though they were both of the party of the States, yet the Duc d’Arscot, being an old courtier and having attended King Philip in Flanders and England, could not withdraw himself from Court and the society of the great.  The Comte de Lalain, with all his nobles, conducted me two leagues beyond his government, and until he saw Don John’s company in the distance advancing to meet me.  He then took his leave of me, being unwilling to meet Don John; but M. d’Ainsi stayed with me, as his master, the Bishop of Cambray, was in the Spanish interest.

This gallant company having left me, I was soon after met by Don John of Austria, preceded by a great number of running footmen, and escorted by only twenty or thirty horsemen.  He was attended by a number of noblemen, and amongst the rest the Duc d’Arscot, M. d’Aurec, the Marquis de Varenbon, and the younger Balencon, governor, for the King of Spain, of the county of Burgundy.  These last two, who are brothers, had ridden post to meet me.  Of Don John’s household there was only Louis de Gonzago of any rank.  He called himself a relation of the Duke of Mantua; the others were mean-looking people, and of no consideration.  Don John alighted from his horse to salute me in my litter, which was opened for the purpose.  I returned the salute after the French fashion to him, the Duc d’Arscot, and M. d’Aurec.  After an exchange of compliments, he mounted his horse, but continued in discourse with me until we reached the city, which was not before it grew dark, as I set off late, the ladies of Mons keeping me as long as they could, amusing themselves with viewing my litter, and requiring an explanation of the different mottoes and devices.  However, as the Spaniards excel in preserving good order, Namur appeared with particular advantage, for the streets were well lighted, every house being illuminated, so that the blaze exceeded that of daylight.