Notwithstanding these suspicions on the part of the people, this reluctance on the part of then government, the troops readily took up their line of march, and never paused till they reached Lombardy.  Don John wrote repeatedly to the King, warmly urging the claims of these veterans, and of their distinguished officers, Romero, Avila, Valdez, Montesdocca, Verdugo, Mondragon, and others, to his bountiful consideration.  They had departed in very ill humour, not having received any recompense for their long and arduous services.  Certainly, if unflinching endurance, desperate valor, and congenial cruelty, could atone in the monarch’s eyes for the mutiny, which had at last compelled their withdrawal, then were these laborers worthy of their hire.  Don John had pacified them by assurances that they should receive adequate rewards on their arrival in Lombardy, and had urged the full satisfaction of their claims and his promises in the strongest language.  Although Don Alonzo de Vargas had abused him “with-flying colors,” as he expressed himself, yet he hastened to intercede for him with the King in the most affectionate terms.  “His impatience has not surprised me,” said the Governor, “although I regret that he has been offended, far I love and esteem him much.  He has served many years with great distinction, and I can certify that his character for purity and religion is something extraordinary.”

The first scene in the withdrawal of the troops had been the evacuation of the citadel of Antwerp, and it had been decided that the command of this most important fortress should be conferred upon the Duke of Aerschot.  His claims as commander-in-chief, under the authority of the State Council, and as chief of the Catholic nobility, could hardly be passed over, yet he was a man whom neither party trusted.  He was too visibly governed by interested motives.  Arrogant where he felt secure of his own, or doubtful as to another’s position, he could be supple and cringing when the relations changed.  He refused an interview with William of Orange before consulting with Don John, and solicited one afterwards when he found that every effort was to be made to conciliate the Prince.  He was insolent to the Governor-General himself in February, and respectful in March.  He usurped the first place in the church, before Don John had been acknowledged Governor, and was the first to go forth to welcome him after the matter had been arranged.  He made a scene of virtuous indignation in the State Council, because he was accused of place-hunting, but was diligent to secure an office of the highest dignity which the Governor could bestow.  Whatever may have been his merits, it is certain that he inspired confidence neither in the adherents of the King nor of the Prince; while he by turns professed the warmest regard both to the one party and the other.  Spaniards and patriots, Protestants and Catholics, suspected the man at the same moment, and ever attributed to his conduct a meaning which was the reverse of the apparent.  Such is often the judgment passed upon those who fish in troubled waters only to fill their own nets.