in some faint dawn
of the present English constitution, though suddenly eclipsed by
the arbitrary government of Elizabeth. Wentworth was indeed by his
Puritanism, as well as his love of liberty, (for these two characters,
of such unequal merit, arose and advanced together,) the true forerunner
of the Hambdens, the Pyms, and the Hollises, who in the next age, with
less courage, because with less danger, rendered their principles so
triumphant. I shall only ask, whether it be not sufficiently clear from
all these transactions, that in the two succeeding reigns it was
the people who encroached upon the sovereign, not the sovereign who
attempted, as is pretended, to usurp upon the people?]

[Footnote 28: NOTE BB, p. 259. The queen's speech in the camp of Tilbury
was in these words. "My loving people, we have been persuaded, by some
that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to
armed multitudes for fear of treachery; but assure you, I do not desire
to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear: I
have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest
strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects.
And therefore I am come amongst you at this time, not as for my
recreation or sport, but being resolved in the midst and heat of the
battle to live or die amongst you all; to lay down, for my God, and for
my kingdom, and for my people, my honor and my blood; even in the dust.
I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the
heart of a king, and of a king of England too; and think foul scorn
that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the
borders of my realms; to which rather than any dishonor should grow by
me, I myself will take up arms. I myself will be your general, judge,
and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already,
by your forwardness, that you have deserved rewards and crowns; and we
do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you.
In the mean time, my lieutenant-general shall be in my stead; than whom
never prince commanded a more noble and worthy subject; not doubting,
by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your
valor in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those
enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people."]

[Footnote 29: NOTE CC, p. 264. Strype, vol. iii. p. 525. On the 4th of
Septem