These portions of the empire were still called Lorraine, as well as all which they possessed of what is now called France, and which was that part forming the appanage of Lothaire and of the Lotheringian kings.

The great difficulty of maintaining subordination among the numerous chieftains of this country caused it, in 958, to be divided into two governments, which were called Higher and Lower Lorraine.

The latter portion comprised nearly the whole of the Netherlands, which thus became governed by a lieutenant of the emperors.

Godfrey count of Ardenne was the first who filled this place; and he soon felt all the perils of the situation.

The other counts saw, with a jealous eye, their equal now promoted into a superior.