def to_bytes(self):
        r'''
        Create bytes from properties

        >>> message = EncapsulatedControlMessage(payload='Dummy')
        >>> message.to_bytes()
        '\x80\x00\x00\x00Dummy'
        '''
        # Verify that properties make sense
        self.sanitize()

        # Start with the type
        bitstream = BitArray('uint:4=%d' % self.message_type)

        # Add the flags
        bitstream += BitArray('bool=%d, bool=%d' % (self.security,
                                                    self.ddt_originated))

        # Add padding
        bitstream += self._reserved1

        # Determine payload
        payload = self.payload
        if hasattr(payload, 'to_bytes'):
            payload = payload.to_bytes()

        return bitstream.bytes + payload