These arguments, which had much logic in them, were strongly urged by Zapena, a veteran marshal of the camp who had seen much service, and whose counsels were usually received with deference.  But on this occasion commanders and soldiers were hot for following up their victory.  They cared nothing for the numbers of their enemy, they cried, “The more infidels the greater glory in destroying them.”  Delay might after all cause the loss of the prize, it was eagerly shouted.  The archduke ought to pray that the sun might stand still for him that morning, as for Joshua in the vale of Ajalon.  The foe seeing himself entrapped, with destruction awaiting him, was now skulking towards his ships, which still offered him the means of escape.  Should they give him time he would profit by their negligence, and next morning when they reached Nieuport, the birds would be flown.  Especially the leaders of the mutineers of Diest and Thionville were hoarse with indignation at the proposed delay.  They had not left their brethren, they shouted, nor rallied to the archduke’s banner in order to sit down and dig in the sand like ploughmen.  There was triumph for the Holy Church, there was the utter overthrow of the heretic army, there was rich booty to be gathered, all these things were within their reach if they now advanced and smote the rebels while, confused and panic-stricken, they were endeavouring to embark in their ships.

While these vehement debates were at the hottest, sails were descried in the offing; for the archduke’s forces already stood upon the edge of the downs.  First one ship, then another and another, moved steadily along the coast, returning from Nieuport in the direction of Ostend.

This was more than could be borne.  It was obvious that the rebels were already making their escape, and it was urged upon the cardinal that probably Prince Maurice and the other chieftains were on board one of those very vessels, and were giving him the slip.  With great expedition it would still be possible to overtake them before the main body could embark, and the attack might yet be made at the most favourable moment.  Those white sails gleaming in the distance were more eloquent than Zapena or any other advocate of delay, and the order was given to advance.  And it was exactly at this period that it still lay within the power of the States’ cavalry at Ostend to partially redeem their character, and to render very effective service.  Had four or five hundred resolute troopers hung upon the rear of the Spanish army now, as it moved toward Nieuport, they might, by judiciously skirmishing, advancing and retreating according to circumstances, have caused much confusion, and certainly have so harassed the archduke as to compel the detachment of a very considerable force of his own cavalry to protect himself against such assaults.  But the terror was an enduring one.  Those horsemen remained paralyzed and helpless, and it was impossible for the States, with all their commands or entreaties, to induce them to mount and ride even a half mile beyond the city gates.