ts of Rules, Briefs, and instruments of sundry natures, names, and
kinds." All these were perennially open sluices, which had drained England
of its wealth for centuries, returning only in showers of paper, and the
Commons were determined that streams so unremunerative should flow no
longer. They conceived that they had been all along imposed upon, and that
the "Bishop of Rome was to be blamed for having allured and beguiled the
English nation, persuading them that he had power to dispense with human
laws, uses, and customs, contrary to right and conscience." If the king so
pleased, therefore, they would not be so beguiled any more. These and all
similar exactions should cease; and all powers claimed by the Bishop of
Rome within the realm should cease, and should be transferred to the crown.
At the same time they would not press upon the pope too hardly; they would
repeat the same conditions which they had offered with the Annates. He had
received these revenues as the supreme judge in the highest court in
Europe, and he might retain his revenues or receive compensation for them,
if he dared to be just. It was for himself to resolve, and three months
were allowed for a final decision.

In conclusion, the Commons thought it well to assert that they were
separating, not from the church of Christ, but only from the papacy. A
judge who allowed himself to be overawed against his conscience by a
secular power, could not any longer be recognised; but no thing or things
contained in the act should be afterwards "interpreted or expounded, that
his Grace (the king), his nobles and subjects, intended by the same to
decline or vary from the congregation of Christ's church in anything
concerning the articles of the Catholic faith of Christendom, or in any
other things declared by the Holy Scripture and the Word of God necessary
for salvation; but only to make an ordinance, by policies necessary and
convenient, to repress vice, and for the good conservation of the realm in
peace, unity, and tranquillity, from ravin and spoil--ensuing much the old
antient customs of the realm in that behalf."[686]

The most arduous business was thus finished--the most painful remained. The
Nun of Kent and her accomplices were to be proceeded against by act of
parliament; and the bill of their attainder was presented for the first
time in the House of Lords, on the 18th of February. The offence of the
principal conspirators was plainly high treason; the