Viglius had frequently expressed intentions of retiring, a measure to which he could yet never fully make up his mind.

His place was now temporarily supplied by his friend and countryman, Joachim Hopper, like himself a Frisian doctor of ancient blood and extensive acquirements, well versed in philosophy and jurisprudence; a professor of Louvain and a member of the Mechlin council.

He was likewise the original founder and projector of Douay University, an institution which at Philip's desire he had successfully organized in 1556, in order that a French university might be furnished for Walloon youths, as a substitute for the seductive and poisonous Paris.

For the rest, Hopper was a mere man of routine.

He was often employed in private affairs by Philip, without being entrusted with the secret at the bottom of them.