By remaining, he counteracted their schemes.
By taking Matthias wholly into his own possession, he obtained one piece the more in the great game which he was playing against his antagonist in the Escorial.

By making adroit use of events as they arose, he made the very waves which were to sink him, carry his great cause triumphantly onward.
The first result of the invitation to Matthias was the election of Orange as Ruward of Brabant.

This office was one of great historical dignity, but somewhat anomalous in its functions.

The province of Brabant, having no special governor, was usually considered under the immediate superintendence of the Governor-General.

As the capital of Brabant was the residence of that functionary, no inconvenience from this course had been felt since the accession of the house of Burgundy.