WILLIAM THE SILENT The position of William at Brussels after his triumphant entry, September 23, 1577, was by no means an easy one.

His main support was derived from a self-elected Council of Eighteen, containing representatives of the gilds and of the citizens.

This Council controlled an armed municipal force and was really master in the city.
In these circumstances the States-General did not venture upon any opposition to the popular wishes, in other words to William, whose influence with the masses was unbounded.

The States-General, therefore, under pressure from the Eighteen, informed Don John, October 8, that they no longer recognised him as governor-general; and the Estates of Brabant appointed the prince to the office of _Ruward_ or governor of the province.

Meanwhile a fresh factor of disturbance had been introduced into the troubled scene.