He appeared at one time to be on the point of accomplishing his aim.

Lorraine, which divided his southern from his northern possessions, was for a short time in his possession.

Intervening in Gelderland between the Duke Arnold of Egmont and his son Adolf, he took the latter prisoner and obtained the duchy in pledge from the former.

Uprisings in the Flemish towns against heavy taxation and arbitrary rule were put down with a strong hand.

In September, 1474, the duke, accompanied by a splendid suite, met the emperor Frederick III at Trier to receive the coveted crown from the imperial hands.