The mutiny which broke out after the defeat of Count Louis was marked with the most pronounced and inflammatory of these symptoms.  Three years’ pay was due, to the Spaniards, who, having just achieved a signal victory, were-disposed to reap its fruits, by fair means or by force.  On receiving nothing but promises, in answer to their clamorous demands, they mutinied to a man, and crossed the Meuse to Grave, whence, after accomplishing the usual elections, they took their course to Antwerp.  Being in such strong force, they determined to strike at the capital.  Rumour flew before them.  Champagny, brother of Granvelle, and royal governor of the city, wrote in haste to apprise Requesens of the approaching danger.  The Grand Commander, attended only by Vitelli, repaired instantly to Antwerp.  Champagny advised throwing up a breastwork with bales of merchandize, upon the esplanade, between the citadel and the town, for it was at this point, where the connection between the fortifications of the castle and those of the city had never been thoroughly completed, that the invasion might be expected.  Requesens hesitated.  He trembled at a conflict with his own soldiery.  If successful, he could only be so by trampling upon the flower of his army.  If defeated, what would become of the King’s authority, with rebellious troops triumphant in rebellious provinces?  Sorely perplexed, the Commander, could think of no expedient.  Not knowing what to do, he did nothing.  In the meantime, Champagny, who felt himself odious to the soldiery, retreated to the Newtown, and barricaded himself, with a few followers, in the house of the Baltic merchants.

On the 26th of April, the mutinous troops in perfect order, marched into the city, effecting their entrance precisely at the weak point where they had been expected.  Numbering at least three thousand, they encamped on the esplanade, where Requesens appeared before them alone on horseback, and made them an oration.  They listened with composure, but answered briefly and with one accord, “Dineros y non palabras,” dollars not speeches.  Requesens promised profusely, but the time was past for promises.  Hard Silver dollars would alone content an army which, after three years of bloodshed and starvation, had at last taken the law into their own hands.  Requesens withdrew to consult the Broad Council of the city.  He was without money himself, but he demanded four hundred thousand crowns of the city.  This was at first refused, but the troops knew the strength of their position, for these mutinies were never repressed, and rarely punished.  On this occasion the Commander was afraid to employ force, and the burghers, after the army had been quartered upon them for a time, would gladly pay a heavy ransom to be rid of their odious and expensive guests.  The mutineers foreseeing that the work might last a few weeks, and determined to proceed leisurely; took possession of the great square.  The Eletto, with his staff of councillors, was quartered in the town-house, while the soldiers distributed themselves among the houses of the most opulent citizens, no one escaping a billet who was rich enough to receive such company:  bishop or burgomaster, margrave or merchant.  The most famous kitchens were naturally the most eagerly sought, and sumptuous apartments, luxurious dishes, delicate wines, were daily demanded.  The burghers dared not refuse.