The principal citizens of Antwerp, expecting every instant that the storm would be diverted from the ecclesiastical edifices to private dwellings, and that robbery, rape, and murder would follow sacrilege, remained all night expecting the attack, and prepared to defend their hearths, even if the altars were profaned.
The precaution was needless.

It was asserted by the Catholics that the confederates and other opulent Protestants had organized this company of profligates for the meagre pittance of ten stivers day.

On the other hand, it was believed by many that the Catholics had themselves plotted the whole outrage in order to bring odium upon the Reformers.

Both statements were equally unfounded.

The task was most thoroughly performed, but it was prompted: by a furious fanaticism, not by baser motives.
Two days and nights longer the havoc raged unchecked through all the churches of Antwerp and the neighboring villages.