They also acquired letters patent from the count, allowing them to choose their burgomasters and a limited number of councillors or senators (Vroedschappen).
Thus the liberties of Holland and Flanders waxed, daily, stronger.

A great physical convulsion in the course of the thirteenth century came to add its influence to the slower process of political revolution.

Hitherto there had been but one Friesland, including Holland, and nearly all the territory of the future republic.

A slender stream alone separated the two great districts.

The low lands along the Vlie, often threatened, at last sank in the waves.