It is clear that since the conclusion of the Pacification of Ghent, according to which nearly all the provinces of these Low Countries undertook to assist each other with their life and property in driving the Spaniards and other foreign nations and their followers from this country, the Spaniards as well as Don John of Austria and more of their leaders and captains have sought and are still seeking by all means in their power to bring these provinces wholly or partly into subjection under their tyrannical government and into slavery. Through force of arms as well as through trickery they are trying to divide and dismember them and to annul and subvert the Union set up at the Pacification so that the countries and provinces may ultimately be brought to ruin and destruction.