By special favor, moreover, the Pope dispensed the new Cardinal from the duty of going to Rome in person, and despatched his chamberlain, Theophilus Friso, to Brussels, with the red hat and tabbard.
The prelate, having thus reached the dignity to which he had long aspired, did not grow more humble in his deportment, or less zealous in the work through which he had already gained so much wealth and preferment.

His conduct with regard to the edicts and bishoprics had already brought him into relations which were far from amicable with his colleagues in the council.

More and more he began to take the control of affairs into his own hand.

The consulta, or secret committee of the state council, constituted the real government of the country.

Here the most important affairs were decided upon without the concurrence of the other seignors, Orange, Egmont, and Glayon, who, at the same time, were held responsible for the action of government.