ven in
this manner of reception, amidst the dignity of the regal office,
studiously showed his exterior respect by the marked solemnity of their
first meeting. As yet uncrowned, on the day on which he first addressed
the Lords and Commons, he wore his crown, and vailed it at the opening,
and on the close of his speech; a circumstance to which the parliament
had not been accustomed. Another ceremony gave still greater solemnity
to the meeting; the king would not enter into business till they had
united in prayer. He commanded the doors to be closed, and a bishop to
perform the office. The suddenness of this unexpected command
disconcerted the catholic lords, of whom the less rigid knelt, and the
moderate stood: there was one startled papist who did nothing but cross
himself![286]

The speech may be found in Rushworth; the friendly tone must be shown
here.

I hope that you do remember that you were pleased to employ me to
advise my father to break off the treaties (with Spain). I came into
this business willingly and freely, like a young man, and
consequently rashly; but it was by your interest--your engagement. I
pray you to remember, that this being my _first action_, and begun by
_your advice and entreaty_, what a great dishonour it were to you and
me that it should fail for that assistance you are able to give me!

This effusion excited no sympathy in the house. They voted not a seventh
part of the expenditure necessary to proceed with a war, into which, as
a popular measure, they themselves had forced the king.

At Oxford the king again reminded them that he was engaged in a war
"from their desires and advice." He expresses his disappointment at
their insufficient grant, "far short to set forth the navy now
preparing." The speech preserves the same simplicity.

Still no echo of kindness responded in the house. It was, however,
asserted, in a vague and quibbling manner, that "though a former
parliament did engage the king in a war, yet, (if things were managed by
a contrary design, and the treasure misemployed) _this parliament is not
bound by another parliament_:" and they added a cruel mockery, "that the
king should help the cause of the Palatinate with _his own_
_money_!"--this foolish war, which James and Charles had so long borne
their reproaches for having avoided as hopeless, but which the puritanic
party, as well as others, had continually urged as necessary for the
maintenance of th