This international malignity furnishes one of the keys to a proper understanding of the great revolt in the next reign.
The provinces, now all united again under an emperor, were treated, opulent and powerful as they were, as obscure dependencies.

The regency over them was entrusted by Charles to his near relatives, who governed in the interest of his house, not of the country.

His course towards them upon the religious question will be hereafter indicated.

The political character of his administration was typified, and, as it were, dramatized, on the occasion of the memorable insurrection at Ghent.

For this reason, a few interior details concerning that remarkable event, seem requisite.
XI.
Ghent was, in all respects, one of the most important cities in Europe.
Erasmus, who, as a Hollander and a courtier, was not likely to be partial to the turbulent Flemings, asserted that there was no town in all Christendom to be compared to it for size, power, political constitution, or the culture of its inhabitants.