War, which seems to be an instinct of man, and which particular instances of heroism often raise to the dignity of a passion, was reduced to a science, and made subservient to those great principles of policy in which society began to perceive its only chance of durable good.

Manufactures attained a state of high perfection, and went on progressively with the growth of wealth and luxury.

The opulence of the towns of Brabant and Flanders was without any previous example in the state of Europe.

A merchant of Bruges took upon himself alone the security for the ransom of John the Fearless, taken at the battle of Nicopolis, amounting to two hundred thousand ducats.
A provost of Valenciennes repaired to Paris at one of the great fairs periodically held there, and purchased on his own account every article that was for sale.

At a repast given by one of the counts of Flanders to the Flemish magistrates the seats they occupied were unfurnished with cushions.