OF GENERAL NATURALIZATION. 61 



thinks the wisdom of the common laws of England 

 well observed, is admirable in the distribution of the 

 benefit and protection of the laws, according to the 

 several conditions of persons, in an excellent propor 

 tion. The degrees are four, but bipartite, two of 

 aliens and two of subjects. 



The first degree is of an alien born under a king 

 or state, that is an enemy. If such an one come 

 into this kingdom without safe-conduct, it is at his 

 peril : the law giveth him no protection, neither for 

 body, lands, nor goods ; so as if he be slain there is 

 no remedy by any appeal at the party s suit, although 

 his wife were an English woman : marry at the 

 king s suit, the case may be otherwise in regard of 

 the offence to the peace. 



The second degree is of an alien that is born 

 under the faith and allegiance of a king or state that 

 is a friend. Unto such a person the law doth 

 impart a greater benefit and protection, that is, con 

 cerning things personal, transitory, and moveable, as 

 goods and chatties, contracts, and the like, but not 

 concerning freehold and inheritance. And the rea 

 son is, because he may be an enemy, though he 

 be not ; for the state under the obeisance of which 

 he is, may enter into quarrel and hostility ; and 

 therefore as the law hath but a transitory assurance 

 of him, so it rewards him but with transitory 

 benefits. 



The third degree is of a subject, who having 

 been an alien, is made free by charter and denization. 

 To such an one the law doth impart yet a more am- 



