The citizens of Brussels, one and all, stood to their arms.

Not a man could enter or leave without their permission.

The Spaniards who were in the town, whether soldiers or merchants, were regarded with suspicion and abhorrence.

The leading Spanish officers, Romero, Montesdocca, Verdugo, and others, who had attempted to quell the mutiny, had been driven off with threats and curses, their soldiers defying them and brandishing their swords in their very faces.

On the other hand, they were looked upon with ill-will by the Netherlanders.