d therefore I do humbly pray, and yet I must confess it is not
so much I, as the innocent blood that hath been shed, the cry
whereof is very great for justice and judgment; and therefore I
do humbly pray, that speedy Judgment be pronounced against the
Prisoner at the bar.
LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, you have heard what is moved by the Counsel
on the behalf of the kingdom against you. Sir, you may well
remember, and if you do not, the Court cannot forget, what
dilatory dealings the Court hath found at your hands. You were
pleased to propound some Questions, you have had our Resolutions
upon them. You were told, over and over again, That the Court
did affirm their own jurisdiction; that it was not for you, nor
any other man, to dispute the jurisdiction of the supreme and
highest Authority of England, from which there is no appeal, and
touching which there must be no dispute; yet you did persist in
such carriage, as you gave no manner of obedience, nor did you
acknowledge any authority in them, nor the High Court that
constituted this Court of Justice. Sir, I must let you know from
the Court, that they are very sensible of these delays of
your's, and that they ought not, being thus authorised by the
supreme Court of England, to be thus trifled withal; and that
they might in justice, if they pleased, and according to the
rules of justice, take advantage of these delays and proceed to
pronounce judgment against you; yet nevertheless they are
pleased to give direction, and on their behalfs I do require
you, that you make a positive Answer unto this Charge that is
against you, Sir, in plain terms, for Justice knows no respect
of persons; you are to give your positive and final Answer in
plain English, whether you be Guilty or Not Guilty of these
Treasons laid to your charge.
The King, after a little pause, said,
KING--When I was here yesterday, I did desire to speak for the
Liberties of the people of England; I was interrupted; I desire
to know yet whether I may speak freely or not.
LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, you have had the Resolution of the Court
upon the like question the last day, and you were told that
having such a Charge of so high a nature against you, and your
work was, that you ought to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the
Court, and to answer to your Charge. Sir, if you
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