And the same spectacle was presented by Ghent, Bruges, Valenciennes, Tournay, and those other fair cities, which had once been types of vigorous industry and tumultuous life.

The sea-coast was in the hands of two rising commercial powers, the great and free commonwealths of the future.

Those powers were acting in concert, and commanding the traffic of the world, while the obedient Provinces were excluded from all foreign intercourse and all markets, as the result of their obedience.

Commerce, manufactures, agriculture; were dying lingering deaths.

The thrifty farms, orchards, and gardens, which had been a proverb and wonder of industry were becoming wildernesses.