tainted for such an instance of
obedience. This statute might be exposed to some censure, as favorable
to usurpers; were there any precise rule, which always, even during
the most factious times, could determine the true successor, and render
every one inexcusable who did not submit to him. But as the titles of
princes are then the great subject of dispute, and each party pleads
topics in its own favor, it seems but equitable to secure those who act
in support of public tranquillity, an object at all times of undoubted
benefit and importance. Henry, conscious of his disputed title, promoted
this law, in order to secure his partisans against all events; but as
he had himself observed a contrary practice with regard to Richard's
adherents, he had reason to apprehend that, during the violence which
usually ensues on public convulsions, his example, rather than his law,
would, in case of a new revolution, be followed by his enemies. And the
attempt to bind the legislature itself, by prescribing rules to future
parliaments, was contradictory to the plainest principles of political
government.

This parliament also passed an act, empowering the king to levy, by
course of law, all the sums which any person had agreed to pay by way
of benevolence; a statute by which that arbitrary method of taxation was
indirectly authorized and justified.

The king's authority appeared equally prevalent and uncontrolled in
Ireland. Sir Edward Poynings had been sent over to that country, with
an intention of quelling the partisans of the house of York, and of
reducing the natives to subjection. He was not supported by forces
sufficient for that enterprise: the Irish, by flying into their woods,
and morasses, and mountains, for some time eluded his efforts; but
Poynings summoned a parliament at Dublin, where he was more successful.
He passed that memorable statute, which still bears his name, and which
establishes the authority of the English government in Ireland. By this
statute, all the former laws of England were made to be of force in
Ireland; and no bill can be introduced into the Irish parliament, unless
it previously receive the sanction of the council of England. This
latter clause seems calculated for insuring the dominion of the English;
but was really granted at the desire of the Irish commons who intended,
by that means, to secure themselves from the tyranny of their lords,
particularly of such lieutenants or deputies as were of Ir