Granvelle grew enormously rich under his eye by trading on the imperial favor and sparing his majesty much trouble.

Charles saw it all, ridiculed his peculations, but called him his "bed of down." His knowledge of human nature was however derived from a contemplation mainly of its weaknesses, and was therefore one-sided.

He was often deceived, and made many a fatal blunder, shrewd politician though he was.

He involved himself often in enterprises which could not be honorable or profitable, and which inflicted damage on his greatest interests.

He often offended men who might have been useful friends, and converted allies into enemies.