They are the more confirmed in their rebellion, when they see how many are thronging from us to them, complaining of such bad government, and that all take refuge in flight who can from the misery and famine which it has caused throughout these provinces!" The industrial population had flowed from the southern provinces into the north, in obedience to an irresistible law.

The workers in iron, paper, silk, linen, lace, the makers of brocade, tapestry, and satin, as well as of all the coarser fabrics, had fled from the land of oppression to the land of liberty.

Never in the history of civilisation had there been a more rapid development of human industry than in Holland during these years of bloodiest warfare.

The towns were filled to overflowing.

Amsterdam multiplied in wealth and population as fast as Antwerp shrank.