Does the king not realise that if he is duke of Brabant, then I am one of the principal members of Brabant because of my baronies? Does he not realise his obligations towards me, my brothers and companions and the good towns of this country? And on what terms does he govern this state? Does he not recall his oath? Or if he does, does he attach so little importance to what he promised God and the country or to the conditions connected with his ducal rank? I need not remind you, gentlemen, of what he promised us before we swore to serve him. Most of you know it only too well. But there are many others who will read this defence, and so I would like to imprint once more upon your memories a summary of his oath.

You know, gentlemen, the obligations which bind him, and that he is not ree to do what he likes as he can in the Indies. He may not by force compel any of his subjects to do anything unless the customs of the local ourts of justice, which have jurisdiction over him, permit it. Nor can he change the general state of the country in any way by ordinance or decree.