, indeed, of
Charles, arose in part the misfortunes in which England was at this time
involved. His political errors, or rather weaknesses, had raised him
inveterate enemies: his eminent moral virtues had procured him zealous
partisans; and between the hatred of the one, and the affections of the
other, was the nation agitated with the most violent convulsions.

That the king might despair of all composition, the parliament sent him
the conditions on which they were willing to some to an agreement.
Their demands, contained in nineteen propositions, amounted to a total
abolition of monarchical authority. They required that no man should
remain in the council who was not agreeable to parliament; that no deed
of the king's should have validity unless it passed the council, and was
attested under their hand; that all the officers of state and principal
judges should be chosen with consent of parliament, and enjoy their
offices for life; that none of the royal family should marry without
consent of parliament or council; that the laws should be executed
against Catholics; that the votes of Popish lords should be excluded;
that the reformation of the liturgy and church government should, have
place according to advice of parliament; that the ordinance with regard
to the militia be submitted to; that the justice of parliament pass upon
all delinquents; that a general pardon be granted, with such exceptions
as should be advised by parliament that the forts and castles be
disposed of by consent of parliament; and that no peer be made but with
consent of both houses.[*]

"Should I grant these demands," said the king in reply, "I may be waited
on bareheaded; I may have my hand kissed; the title of majesty may be
continued to me; and 'the king's authority, signified by both houses,'
may still be the style of your commands; I may have swords and maces
carried before me, and please myself with the sight of a crown and
sceptre, (though even these twigs would not long flourish when the stock
upon which they grew was dead;) but as to true and real power, I should
remain but the outside, but the picture, but the sign of a king."[**]
War on any terms was esteemed, by the king and all the counsellors,
preferable to so ignominious a peace. Charles accordingly resolved to
support his authority by arms. "His towns," he said, "were taken from
him, his ships, his arms, his money; but there still remained to him
a good cause, and the hearts of