230 CHARGE AGAINST ROBERT 



the stage and the trial ; then three things are to be 

 considered : 



First, That they make such a submission or de 

 precation, as they prostrate themselves, and all that 

 they have, at your majesty s feet, imploring your 

 mercy. 



Secondly, That your majesty, in your own wis 

 dom, do advise what course you will take, for the 

 utter extinguishing of all hopes of resuscitating of 

 their fortunes and favour ; whereof if there should 

 be the least conceit, it will leave in men a great deal 

 of envy and discontent. 



And lastly ; whether your majesty will not suffer 

 it to be thought abroad, that there is cause of far 

 ther examination of Somerset, concerning matters of 

 estate, after he shall begin once to be a confessant, 

 and so make as well a politic ground, as a ground of 

 clemency, for farther stay. 



And for the second degree, of proceeding to 

 trial, and staying judgment, I must better inform 

 myself by precedents, and advise with my lord 

 chancellor. 



The second case is, if that fall out which is likest, 

 as things stand, and which we expect, which is, that 

 the lady confess ; and that Somerset himself plead 

 not guilty, and be found guilty : 



In this case, first, I suppose your majesty will 

 not think of any stay of judgment, but that the pub 

 lic process of justice pass on. 



Secondly, For your mercy to be extended to 

 both for pardon of their execution, I have partly 



