Dirk III ruled 46 years. He appeared to have supported highwaymen who caused a lot of trouble not only for the farmers, forcing them to pay protection money, but also for merchants by creating a toll post on their way to England. These merchants complained to the Emperor who, in 1018, sent an army. However, this army was so ineffectual in the marshes of Holland, after being decimated and robbed, that its general, Duke Godfrey of Lorraine, was imprisoned and only released after he swore he would not return to avenge his defeat. These 'Friesians' didn't like their counts but outside interference was even more resented.
Source: Leo van de Pas