five o'clock
Three suits of clothes were ordered for each of them : the one such as that worn by pages in noble families upon ordinary occasions , another of a much richer kind for special ceremonies and gaieties , the third a strong , serviceable suit for use when actually in the field . Then they were taken to an armourer 's where each was provided with a light morion or head piece , breast plate and back piece , sword and dagger . A sufficient supply of under garments , boots , and other necessaries were also purchased ; and when all was complete they returned highly delighted to the house . It was still scarce five o'clock , and they went across to the abbey and wandered for some time through its aisles , greatly impressed with its dignity and beauty now that their own affairs were off their mind . They returned to the house again , and after supper wrote their letters to their father and mother , saying that they hoped they would not be displeased at the step they had taken , and which they would not have ventured upon had they not already obtained their father 's consent to their entering the army . They knew , of course , that he had not contemplated their doing so for some little time ; but as so excellent an opportunity had offered , and above all , as they were going out to fight against the Spaniards for the oppressed people of the Low Countries , they hoped their parents would approve of the steps they had taken , not having had time or opportunity to consult them . At noon two days later Francis Vere with Captain Allen and the two boys took their seats in the stern of a skiff manned by six rowers .