it had accomplished much for
though it had not passed a single bill, it had shown by its determined
attitude the growing stregnth of the people. For the next seven years
James ruled without summoning a Parliament. In order to obtain means
to support his army in Ireland, the King created a new title of rank,
that of baronet,[1] which he granted to any one who would pay
liberally for it. As a last resort to get funds he compelled all
persons having an income of forty[2] pounds or more a year, derived
from landed property, to accept knighthood (thus incurring feudal
obligations and payments [S150]) or purchase exemption by a heavy
fine.

[1] Baronet: This title (S263, note 1) does not confer the right to a
seat in the House of Lords. A baronet is designated as "Sir,"
e.g. Sir John Franklin.
[2] This exaction was ridiculed by the wits of the time in these
lines:

"He that hat forty pounds per annum
Shall be promoted from the plow;
His wife shall take the wall of her grannum*--
Honor's sold so dog-cheap now."

The distraint of knighthood, as it was called, began at least as far
back as Edward I, 1278.
*Take precedence of her grandmother.

425. Impeachment of Lord Bacon (1621).

When James did finally summon a Parliament (1621), it met in a stern
mood. The House of Commons impeached Lord Bacon (S393) for having
taken bribes in lawsuits tried before him as judge. The House of
Lords convicted him. He confessed the crime, but pleaded extenuating
circumstances, adding, "I beseech your lordships to be merciful unto a
broken reed"; but Bacon had been in every respect a servile tool of
James, and no mercy was granted. Parliament imposed a fine of 40,000
pounds, with imprisonment. Had the sentence been fully executed, it
would have caused his utter ruin. The King, however, interposed, and
his favorite escaped with a few days' confinement in the Tower.

426. Execution of Sir Walter Raleigh.

Meanwhile Sir Walter Raleigh (S392) had been executed on a charge of
treason. He had been a prisoner in the Tower for many years
(1603-1616), accused of having plotted against the King.[3] Influenced
by greed for gain, James released him to go on an expedition in search
of gold to replenish the royal coffers. Raleigh, contrary to the
King's orders, came into collision with the Spaniards on the coast of
South America.[1] He failed in his enterprise, and brought back
nothing. Raleigh was