dignity after mayhem

"On June 5, 1568, both men were beheaded
 in the Grand Place in Brussels,
 Egmont's uncomplaining dignity 
on the occasion
 being widely noted"


 Egmont, at the head of his horsemen,
 decided to attack the French center
 with his cavalry

The Battle of Gravelines was fought on 13 July 1558 at Gravelines, near Calais, France. It occurred during the twelve-year war between France and Spain (1547–1559).


The battle resulted in a victory by the Spanish forces, led by Lamoral, Count of Egmont, over the French, led by Marshal Paul de Thermes.

 The Spanish were supported by the English Navy, who opened fire on the French as they reached the sand dunes at Gravelines

The Duke of Savoy and Philip met an army of 15,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry, giving the command to the Count of Egmont. 


Sighting the French positions,
 Egmont placed his troops in a crescent,
 with the light cavalry on the flanks
 and the Spanish troops,
 together with the German and Flemish units,
 in the center.