All Spanish intellectuals burst into one great song of joy and hope. Now Spain was clean. Now every Spaniard was wholly obedient to Church and King. Alone of all European countries, Spain was now one united mass of loyal men, believing and acting as one being. Every thinker and poet in Spain celebrated in book and song this glorious event, this blessed time, the dawn of Spain's Golden Age. It was the end of Spain.
The passage highlights a pivotal moment in Spanish history, depicting a time of euphoric unity among its intellectuals. They celebrated a newfound sense of obedience and loyalty among the populace towards the Church and monarch, portraying Spain as an emblem of harmony and devotion. This widespread joy signifies a collective embracing of values that align with traditional authority, marking a profound cultural shift.
However, this moment of triumph is ironically viewed as the beginning of Spain's decline. The enthusiastic celebration by thinkers and poets masked the loss of individual thought and freedom, suggesting that adherence to a singular ideology and rule ultimately stifled the country’s potential. Thus, while presented as a glorious era, it foreshadows a troubling end for Spain’s vibrant intellectual and cultural landscape.
