The obedient Provinces had reaped absolute ruin as the reward of their obedience.

Bruges, Ghent, and the other cities of Brabant and Flanders, once so opulent and powerful, had become mere dens of thieves and paupers.

Agriculture, commerce, manufactures--all were dead.

The condition of Antwerp was most tragical.

The city, which had been so recently the commercial centre of the earth, was reduced to absolute beggary.