Parma was appalled at these triumphs of the Sea-King--"a fearful man to the King of Spain"-- as Lord Burghley well observed.

The Spanish troops were starving in Flanders, all Flanders itself was starving, and Philip, as usual, had sent but insignificant remittances to save his perishing soldiers.

Parma had already exhausted his credit.

Money was most difficult to obtain in such a forlorn country; and now the few rich merchants and bankers of Antwerp that were left looked very black at these crushing news from America.

"They are drawing their purse-strings very tight," said Alexander, "and will make no accommodation.