ity of the convocation was, indeed, in most
respects, independent of the parliament: and there was no
reason which required the one to be dissolved upon the
dissolution of the other.

** Whitlocke, p. 33.

*** Whitlocke, p. 33.

**** Dugdale, p. 62. Clarendon, vol. i. p. 143.

v Dugdale, p. 65.

V* Rush. vol. iii. p. 1165.

The chief topic on which he insisted was, that the commons imitated the
bad example of all then predecessors of late years, in making continual
encroachments on his authority, in censuring his whole administration
and conduct, in discussing every circumstance of public government, and
in their indirect bargaining and contracting with their king for supply;
as if nothing ought to be given him but what he should purchase, either
by quitting somewhat of his royal prerogative, or by diminishing and
lessening his standing revenue. These practices, he said, were contrary
to the maxims of their ancestors; and these practices were totally
incompatible with monarchy.[*] [5]

The king, disappointed of parliamentary subsidies, was obliged to have
recourse to other expedients, in order to supply his urgent necessities.
The ecclesiastical subsidies served him in some stead; and it seemed
but just that the clergy should contribute to a war which was in a great
measure of their own raising.[**] He borrowed money from his ministers
and courtiers; and so much was he beloved among them, that above three
hundred thousand pounds were subscribed in a few days; though nothing
surely could be more disagreeable to a prince full of dignity, than
to be a burden on his friends instead of being a support to them. Some
attempts were made towards forcing a loan from the citizens; but
still repelled by the spirit of liberty, which was now become
unconquerable.[***] A loan of forty thousand pounds was extorted from
the Spanish merchants, who had bullion in the Tower exposed to the
attempts of the king. Coat and conduct money for the soldiery was levied
on the counties; an ancient practice,[****] but supposed to be abolished
by the petition of right. All the pepper was bought from the East India
Company upon trust, and sold at a great discount for ready money.[v] A
scheme was proposed for coining two or three hundred thousand pounds of
base money:[v*] such were the extremities to which Charles was reduced.
The fresh difficulties which, amidst the present distresses, were every
da