In the one case the regent, in the second case the usurper, had become reigning prince.

Thus the movement of the jealous nobles against the Prince had for its first effect his immediate appointment to an office whose chief characteristic was, that it conducted to sovereignty.
The election was accomplished thus.

The "members," or estates of Brussels, together with the deans, guilds, and other of the principal citizens of Antwerp, addressed a request to the states of Brabant, that William of Orange should be appointed Ruward, and after long deliberation the measure was carried.

The unsolicited honor was then solemnly offered to him.

He refused, and was only, after repeated and urgent entreaties, induced to accept the office.