Again Don Garcia returned with more men and stores, and after one last attempt to storm the stronghold, the Turks gave up the game and raised the siege. Malta was saved, but Philip complained that he did not get full credit for it, because the Grand Master was a Frenchman and the pope himself was jealous. CHAPTER IX Troubles in the Netherlands--Granvelle’s unpopularity--William of Orange and Egmont--Their resignation and protest--Margaret of Parma--Assembly of the Chapter of the Golden Fleece--Riots at Valenciennes--Discontent of the Flemish nobles--They retire from government--Granvelle’s dismissal--The maladministration of the States--Egmont’s mission to Spain--Philip’s policy in the States--The Beggars--Orange’s action--Philip determines to exterminate heresy in the States--Philip’s projected voyage thither. We have seen that Philip had left his Flemish subjects (August 1559) in no very amiable mood. The opulent, independent communities of the Low Countries held firmly by the liberties they enjoyed. Every ruler had to swear--as Philip had done--to uphold and preserve them intact; on that point nobles and burghers were at one, and amongst the rights they prized most was that no foreigner should be appointed to any administrative post. The Burgundian rulers, although foreigners, had got on well enough with them, and so had the emperor. It was more a question of tastes and manners than of blood; superabundant hospitality, heavy eating, deep drinking, and rough speaking quickly commended a man to the Flemings. The Spaniard of that day was, as he still remains, sober and abstemious to the highest degree, reticent, sensitive, and proud, and Philip was a Spaniard to the finger-tips.