"There is no place," he wrote to Walsingham, "whence the Spaniards are so thoroughly victualled as from us.

English boats go by sixteen and seventeen into Dunkirk, well laden with provisions." This was certainly not in accordance with the interests nor the benevolent professions of the English ministers.
These supplies were not to be regularly depended upon however.

They were likewise not to be had without paying a heavy price for them, and the Prince had no money in his coffer.

He lived from hand to mouth, and was obliged to borrow from every private individual who had anything to lend.
Merchants, nobles, official personages, were all obliged to assist in eking out the scanty pittance allowed by the sovereign.
"The million is all gone," wrote Parma to his master; "some to Verdugo in Friesland; some to repay the advances of Marquis Richebourg and other gentlemen.

There is not a farthing for the garrisons.