Viglius

[1] Having lectured on law at the universities of Bourges and Padua, he accepted a judicial position under the bishop of Münster which he resigned in 1535 to become assessor of the imperial court of justice (Reichskammergericht).

He would not, however, undertake the post of tutor to Philip, son of Emperor Charles V. Nor would he accept any of the many lucrative and honorable positions offered him by various European princes, preferring instead to remain at the University of Ingolstadt, where for five years he occupied a professorial chair.

His rapid rise in the emperor's favor was probably due to his immense store of learning, which was useful in asserting the imperial rights where disputes arose between the empire and the estates.

When the emperor abdicated in 1555 Viglius was anxious to retire also, but at the instance of King Philip II he remained at his post and was rewarded by being made coadjutor abbot of St. Bavon, and in other ways.

He was undoubtedly avaricious, and accumulated great wealth, part of which he left to found a hospital at his native place, Swichum, and a college at the University of Louvain.