nemy. For what difference is there between saying, that
the queen is not to use the privilege of the crown and saying, that she
is not queen? And though experience has shown so much clemency in her
majesty, as might, perhaps, make subjects forget their duty, it is not
good to sport or venture too much with princes. He reminded them of the
fable of the hare, who, upon the proclamation that all horned beasts
should depart the court, immediately fled, lest his ears should be
construed to be horns; and by this apologue he seems to insinuate, that
even those who heard or permitted such dangerous speeches, would not
themselves be entirely free from danger. He desired them to beware, lest
if they meddled further with these matters, the queen might look to
her own power; and finding herself able to suppress their challenged
liberty, and to exert an arbitrary authority, might imitate the example
of Lewis XI. of France, who, as he termed it, delivered the crown from
wardship.[*]

Though this speech gave some disgust, nobody, at the time, replied any
thing, but that Sir Humphrey mistook the meaning of the house, and of
the member who made the motion: they never had any other purpose, than
to represent their grievances, in due and seemly form, unto her majesty.
But in a subsequent debate, Peter Wentworth, a man of a superior free
spirit, called that speech an insult on the house; noted Sir Humphrey's
disposition to flatter and fawn on the prince; compared him to the
chameleon, which can change itself into all colors, except white; and
recommended to the house a due care of liberty of speech, and of the
privileges of parliament.[**]

* D'Ewes, p. 168.

** D'Ewes, p. 175.

It appears, on the whole, that the motion against the exclusive patent
had no effect. Bell, the member who first introduced it, was sent for by
the council, and was severely reprimanded for his temerity. He returned
to the house with such an amazed countenance, that all the members, well
informed of the reason, were struck with terror; and during some time no
one durst rise to speak of any matter of importance, for fear of giving
offence to the queen and council. Even after the fears of the commons
were somewhat abated, the members spoke with extreme precaution; and
by employing most of their discourse in preambles and apologies, they
showed their conscious terror of the rod which hung over them. Wherever
any delicate point was touched, though ever so