Still more important was the fact that his young daughter, Mary, now eleven years old, was living in Ghent, to a certain degree the ward of the city.  If the unruly majority should realise their strength what easier for them than to seize the treasure and hold the daughter as hostage, until her father had acceded to every demand, and until democracy was triumphant not only in Ghent but in the neighbouring cities?

Charles simply did not dare attempt further coercion of the democratic spirit until he was beyond the walls.  It is evident that he was completely taken by surprise at Ghent’s attitude towards him, as the city had always professed great personal attachment to him.  But there was a difference between being heir and sovereign.  The agreement was signed, with a mental reservation on the part of the Duke of Burgundy.  He only intended to keep his pledge until he could see his way clear to make terms better to his liking.

On Tuesday, June 30th, Charles left Ghent, taking his daughter and his treasure away, but a safe shelter for both was not easy to find.  The duke’s anticipations of the effect of Ghent’s actions upon her neighbours were quickly proved to be no idle fears.  There were revolts of more or less importance at Mechlin, at Antwerp, at Brussels, and other places.  Moreover, there was serious discussion in the estates assembled at Louvain as to whether Charles should be acknowledged as Duke of Brabant, or whether the claims of his cousin, the Count of Nevers, should be considered as heir to Philip’s predecessor, for the late duke’s title had never been considered perfect.

Louis XI. seized the opportunity to urge the pretensions of the latter, and there were many reasons to recommend him, in the estimation of the Brabanters, who saw advantage in having a sovereign exclusively their own, instead of one with the widespread geographical interests of the Burgundian family.  The final decision was, however, for Charles; a notice of the resolution of the deputies was sent to him at Mechlin, and he made his formal “entry” into Louvain, where he received homage from the nobles, the good cities, and the university.

The various insurgent manifestations were promptly quelled one after another, but, with a nature that neither forgot nor forgave, the duke was strongly impressed by them as personal insults.  He blamed Ghent for their occurrence and deeply resented every one.  Throughout Philip’s whole career he remembered the localised tenure of his titles and the fact that they were not perfectly incontestable.  For his own advantage he often found a conciliatory attitude the best policy.  Charles considered all his rights heaven-born.  Questioning his authority was rank rebellion.  That he had accepted advice in regard to Ghent, and had been ruled by expediency for the nonce, did not mitigate his intense bitterness.

In another town that gave him serious trouble at this time, nothing led him to curb the severity of his measures.  Though only a “protector,” not an overlord, when he suppressed a rebellion in Liege he rigorously exacted the most complete and humiliating penalties.  The city charters were abrogated, all privileges were forfeited.  As an unprotected village must Liege stand henceforth, walls and fortifications rased to the ground.