His clemency helped his cause more than his success in arms.
[Sidenote: Conquest of the South] Slowly but surely his campaign of conquest progressed.

It was a war of sieges only, without battles.

Bruges was taken after a long investment, and was mildly treated.

[Sidenote: 1584] Ghent surrendered and was also let off with an indemnity but without bloody punishment.

After a hard siege Antwerp capitulated.