ld the Power of Covetousness, when we have the
Righteous Law written in our hearts, teaching us to walk purely in
the Creation."

Winstanley then complains of the action of some of the soldiers, but
expresses the desire that they should not be punished, only cautioned
not to offend again; and states the readiness of himself and companions
to come to headquarters "upon a bare letter." He reiterates his
contention that their demand is only to enjoy freedom "according to the
law of contract between you and us"; freedom to till the common land,
not to trespass upon any enclosures. He continues:

"We desire that your Lawyers may consider these questions, which we
affirm to be truths, and which give good assurance, by the law of
the land, that we that are the younger brothers, or common people,
have a true right to dig, plow up and dwell upon the Commons, as we
have declared."

QUESTIONS TO THE LAWYERS.

"1. Did not William the Conqueror dispossess the English, and thus
cause them to be servants to him?

"2. Was not King Charles the direct successor of William the First?

"3. Whether Lords of the Manor were not the successors of the chief
officers of William the First, holding their rights to the Commons
by the power of the sword?

"4. Whether Lords of the Manor have not lost their royalty to the
common land by the recent victories?

"5. Whether any laws since the coming in of kings have been made in
the light of the righteous law of our Creation, _respecting all
alike_, or have not been grounded upon selfish principles in fear
or flattery of their king, to uphold freedom in the gentry and
clergy, and to hold the common people under bondage still, and so
respecting persons?

"6. Whether all laws that are not grounded upon equity and reason,
not giving an universal freedom to all, but respecting persons,
ought not to be cut off with the king's head? We affirm they ought.
If all laws be grounded upon equity and reason, then the whole land
of England is to be a Common Treasury to everyone born in the Land.

"7. Whether everyone without exception, by the Law of Contract,
ought not to have liberty to enjoy the earth for his livelihood,
and to settle his dwelling in any part of the Commons of England,
without buying or renting land of any, seeing that everyone by