; but that,
in order to preserve a uniformity of conduct, he must at present forego
the apology of his innocence lest, by ratifying an authority no better
founded than that of robbers and pirates, he be justly branded as the
betrayer instead of being applauded as the martyr, of the constitution.

The president, in order to support the majesty of the people, and
maintain the superiority of his court above the prisoner still
inculcated, that he must not decline the authority of his judges; that
they overruled his objections; that they were delegated by the people,
the only source of every lawful power; and that kings themselves acted
but in trust from that community which had invested this high court
of justice with its jurisdiction. Even according to those principles,
which, in his present situation, he was perhaps obliged to adopt, his
behavior in general will appear not a little harsh and barbarous; but
when we consider him as a subject, and one too of no high character,
addressing himself to his unfortunate sovereign, his style will be
esteemed to the last degree audacious and insolent.

[Illustration: 1_706_charles1.jpg CHARLES I.]

Three times was Charles produced before the court, and as often declined
their jurisdiction. On the fourth, the judges having examined some
witnesses, by whom it was proved that the king had appeared in arms
against the forces commissioned by the parliament, they pronounced
sentence against him. He seemed very anxious at this time to be admitted
to a conference with the two houses; and it was supposed, that
he intended to resign the crown to his son: but the court refused
compliance, and considered that request as nothing but a delay of
justice.

It is confessed, that the king's behavior during this last scene of his
life does honor to his memory; and that, in all appearances before his
judges, he never forgot his part, either as a prince or as a man. Firm
and intrepid, he maintained, in each reply, the utmost perspicuity and
justness both of thought and expression; mild and equable, he rose into
no passion at that unusual authority which was assumed over him. His
soul, without effort or affectation, seemed only to remain in the
situation familiar to it, and to look down with contempt on all the
efforts of human malice and iniquity. The soldiers, instigated by
their superiors, were brought, though with difficulty, to cry aloud for
justice. "Poor souls!" said the king to one of his att