Nearly a thousand buildings, in the most splendid and wealthy quarter of the city, were soon in a blaze, and multitudes of human beings were burned with them.

In the City-hall many were consumed, while others, leaped from the windows to renew the combat below.

The many tortuous, streets which led down a slight descent from the rear of the Town house to the quays were all one vast conflagration.

On the other side, the magnificent cathedral, separated from the Grande Place by a single row of buildings, was lighted up, but not attacked by the flames.

The tall spire cast its gigantic shadow across the last desperate conflict.