They were speedily released, but the breach between the Catholic nobles and the Calvinist stadholder of Holland was widened.

William himself saw in the coming of Matthias a favourable opportunity for securing the erection of the Netherlands into a constitutional State under the nominal rule of a Habsburg prince.

By his influence, therefore, the States-General entered into negotiations with the Archduke; and Matthias finally was recognised (December 8) as governor on condition that he accepted the Union of Brussels, He was also induced to place the real power in the hands of Orange with the title of Lieutenant-General.

Matthias made his state entry into Brussels, January 18, 1578.

His position appeared to be strengthened by a treaty concluded with the English queen (January 7) by which Elizabeth promised to send over a body of troops and to grant a subsidy to the States, for the repayment of which the towns of Middelburg, Bruges and Gravelines were to be pledges.
The news however of the step taken by Matthias had had more effect upon Philip II than the despairing appeals of his half-brother.