Nearly the whole population of the cities which existed by such manufactories were reduced to begging.
Artisans and mechanics were forced to struggle against hunger, and many of them, quitting their country, fled to Persia.

None but the chief treasurer was allowed to have anything to do with that branch of industry, and, while he handed over part of his gains to the Emperor, he kept the greater part for himself, and thus grew wealthy at the expense of the unfortunate public..