The estates ought not to permit the execution of the scheme.

In short, continued Granvelle, "there is the same kind of talk which brought about the recall of the Spanish troops." A few months later, he wrote to inform Philip that a petition against the new bishoprics was about to be drawn up by "the two lords.".

They had two motives; according to the Cardinal, for this step--first, to let the King know that he could do nothing without their permission; secondly, because in the states' assembly they were then the cocks of the walk.

They did not choose, therefore, that in the clerical branch of the estates any body should be above the abbots, whom they could frighten into doing whatever they chose.

At the end, of the year, Granvelle again wrote to instruct his sovereign how to reply to the letter which was about to be addressed to him by the Prince of Orange and the Marquis Berghen on the subject of the bishoprics.