Disunion has been the cause of all our woes.
There is no remedy, no hope, save in the bonds of friendship.

Let all particular disagreements be left to the decision of the states-general, in order that with one heart and one will we may seek the disenthralment of the fatherland from the tyranny of strangers." The first step to a thorough union among all the provinces was the arrangement of a closer connection between the now isolated states of Holland and Zealand on the one side, and their fifteen sisters on the other.

The Prince professed the readiness of those states which he might be said to represent in his single person, to draw as closely as possible the bonds of fellowship.

It was almost superfluous for him to promise his own ready co-operation.

"Nothing remains to us," said he, "but to discard all jealousy and distrust.