The encampments of the German, Swiss, and English infantry were of
far humbler design. The tents of the officers were few in number,
and of the simplest form and make. A considerable portion of the
English infantry had been drawn from Holland, for the little army
there was still the only body of trained troops at Elizabeth's
disposal.
The Swiss and Germans were for the most part mercenaries. Some had
been raised at the expense of the Protestant princes, others were
paid from the sums supplied from England. The great proportion of
the men were hardy veterans who had fought under many banners, and
cared but little for the cause in which they were fighting, provided
they obtained their pay regularly and that the rations were abundant
and of good quality.
The French infantry regiments contained men influenced by a variety
of motives. Some were professional soldiers who had fought in many
a field during the long wars that had for so many years agitated
France, others were the retainers of the nobles who had thrown in
their cause with Henry, while others again were Huguenot peasants
who were fighting, not for pay, but in the cause of their religion.
The cavalry were for the most part composed of men of good family,
relations, connections, or the superior vassals of the nobles who
commanded or officered them.
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