In a memorandum to the Duke of Medinaceli in 1573 he criticised the policy of terror that had been pursued by the Duke of Alva, the arrogance and tyranny of Spanish soldiery, and the infringement of ancient customs and liberties. Between 1574 and 1576 he was much away from Antwerp on diplomatic missions. Returning to Antwerp in the summer of 1576, he several times wrote to the Council of State warning of the mounting dangers of the situation there. At the Sack of Antwerp in November 1576 he sought refuge in Middelburg. His house in Antwerp was looted by the mutineers. He was a supporter of the Pacification of Ghent, agreed later the same month, but while criticising royal policy he remained loyal to the king. In 1578 he was imprisoned in Ghent by the rebels, and several times threatened with death. In June 1579 he briefly escaped but was recaptured.