But the ravages committed by Turenne, though they have left a deep stain on his glory, were mere sport in comparison with the horrors of this second devastation.

The French commander announced to near half a million of human beings that he granted them three days of grace, and that, within that time, they must shift for themselves.

Soon the roads and fields, which then lay deep in snow, were blackened by innumerable multitudes of men, women, and children flying from their homes.

Many died of cold and hunger: but enough survived to fill the streets of all the cities of Europe with lean and squalid beggars, who had once been thriving farmers and shopkeepers.
Meanwhile the work of destruction began.

The flames went up from every marketplace, every hamlet, every parish church, every country seat, within the devoted provinces.