at no prince, in the first year of his reign, should begin
any considerable undertaking; a maxim reasonable in itself,
and very suitable to his cautious, not to say timid
character. The facility with which he departed from this
pretension, is another proof that his meaning was innocent.
But had the privileges of parliament been at that time
exactly ascertained, or royal power fully limited, could
such an imagination ever have been entertained by him, as to
think that his proclamations could regulate parliamentary
elections?

** Winwood, vol. ii. p. 18, 19.

*** Journ. 26th March, 1604

**** Journ. 3d April, 1604.

v See note RR, at the end of the volume.

v* Camden, in Kennet, p. 375.

The commons were in some perplexity. Their eyes were now opened, and
they saw the consequences of that power which had been assumed by
the chancellor, and to which their predecessors had in some instances
blindly submitted. "By this course," said a member, "the free election
of the counties is taken away, and none shall be chosen but such as
shall please the king and council. Let us therefore with fortitude,
understanding, and sincerity, seek to maintain our privilege. This
cannot be construed any contempt in us, but merely a maintenance of our
common rights, which our ancestors have left us, and which it is just
and fit for us to transmit to our posterity."[*] Another said, "This
may be called a quo warranto to seize all our liberties."[**] "A
chancellor," added a third, "by this course may call a parliament
consisting of what persons he pleases. Any suggestion, by any person,
may be the cause of sending a new writ. It is come to this
plain question, whether the chancery or parliament ought to have
authority."[***]

Notwithstanding this watchful spirit of liberty which now appeared
in the commons, their deference for majesty was so great that they
appointed a committee to confer with the judges before the king and
council. There the question of law began to appear in James's eyes a
little more doubtful than he had hitherto imagined it; and in order to
extricate himself with some honor, he proposed that both Goodwin and
Fortescue should be set aside, and a writ be issued, by warrant of the
house, for a new election. Goodwin gave his consent, and the commons
embraced the expedient; but in such a manner that, while they showed
their regard for the king, the