To maintain the existing military establishment in the Netherlands, a large sum of money was required, for the pay was very much in arrear.

The king had made a statement to the provincial estates upon this subject, but the matter was kept secret during the negotiations with France.

The way had thus been paved for the "Request" or "Bede," which he now made to the estates assembled at Brussels, in the spring of 1556.

It was to consist of a tax of one per cent.

(the hundredth penny) upon all real estate, and of two per cent.