I have led you into a position whence escape is impossible—­and I ask of none of you more than I am prepared to do myself—­whither I am sure that you will follow.  The enemy’s ships are far superior to ours in bulk; but remember that their excessive size makes them difficult to handle and easier to hit, while our own vessels are entirely within control.  Their decks are swarming with men, and thus there will be more certainty that our shot will take effect.  Remember, too, that we are all sailors, accustomed from our cradles to the ocean; while yonder Spaniards are mainly soldiers and landsmen, qualmish at the smell of bilgewater, and sickening at the roll of the waves.  This day begins a long list of naval victories, which will make our fatherland for ever illustrious, or lay the foundation of an honourable peace, by placing, through our triumph, in the hands of the States-General, the power of dictating its terms.”

His comrades long remembered the enthusiasm which flashed from the man, usually so gentle and composed in demeanour, so simple in attire.  Clad in complete armour, with the orange-plumes waving from his casque and the orange-scarf across his breast, he stood there in front of the mainmast of the AEolus, the very embodiment of an ancient Viking.

He then briefly announced his plan of attack.  It was of antique simplicity.  He would lay his own ship alongside that of the Spanish admiral.  Pretty Lambert in the Tiger was to grapple with her on the other side.  Vice-admiral Alteras and Captain Bras were to attack the enemy’s vice-admiral in the same way.  Thus, two by two, the little Netherland ships were to come into closest quarters with each one of the great galleons.  Heemskerk would himself lead the way, and all were to follow, as closely as possible, in his wake.  The oath to stand by each other was then solemnly renewed, and a parting health was drunk.  The captains then returned to their ships.

As the Lepanto warrior, Don Juan d’Avila, saw the little vessels slowly moving towards him, he summoned a Hollander whom he had on board, one Skipper Gevaerts of a captured Dutch trading bark, and asked him whether those ships in the distance were Netherlanders.

“Not a doubt of it,” replied the skipper.

The admiral then asked him what their purpose could possibly be, in venturing so near Gibraltar.

“Either I am entirely mistaken in my countrymen,” answered Gevaerta, “or they are coming for the express purpose of offering you battle.”

The Spaniard laughed loud and long.  The idea that those puny vessels could be bent on such a purpose seemed to him irresistibly comic, and he promised his prisoner, with much condescension, that the St. Augustine alone should sink the whole fleet.

Gevaerts, having his own ideas on the subject, but not being called upon to express them, thanked the admiral for his urbanity, and respectfully withdrew.

At least four thousand soldiers were in D’Avila’s ships, besides seamen. there were seven hundred in the St. Augustine, four hundred and fifty in Our Lady of Vega, and so on in proportion.  There were also one or two hundred noble volunteers who came thronging on board, scenting the battle from afar, and desirous of having a hand in the destruction of the insolent Dutchmen.