The deputies are called upon to rally the country around the duchess, and to resist the fraud and force of Louis.

The congress is willing to maintain the cause of its young mistress.

The members declare, at the same time, very roundly, "that the provinces have been much impoverished and oppressed by the enormous taxation imposed upon them by the ruinous wars waged by Duke Charles from the beginning to the end of his life." They rather require "to be relieved than additionally encumbered." They add that, "for many years past, there has been a constant violation of the provincial and municipal charters, and that they should be happy to see them restored." The result of the deliberations is the formal grant by Duchess Mary of the "Groot Privilegie," or Great Privilege, the Magna Charta of Holland.
Although this instrument was afterwards violated, and indeed abolished, it became the foundation of the republic.

It was a recapitulation and recognition of ancient rights, not an acquisition of new privileges.

It was a restoration, not a revolution.