Abstract

[T]his union brings to the church and to all of Christianity in general one of the greatest benefits and comforts that could ever be offered […] that joining the forces of my states with those of the Portuguese nation, so valiant and highly esteemed in the world for its military capabilities and conquests by sea and land, and for its industriousness in navigation, will raise Spain’s reputation to such a point that all other nations will recognize and respect it as the most thriving and prosperous province of Christendom.