316 TRACTS RELATING TO 



and that his majesty s business, as they all knew, was 

 very great, and Midsummer term so near at hand, 

 and the cause argued by his attorney so lately, they 

 should put off the day till they might advise with 

 his majesty at his next coming to town. That his 

 majesty s attorney signified so much by his letters, 

 the next day after he had received his commandment, 

 to all the judges, and that in no imperious manner, 

 but alledging the circumstances aforesaid, that the 

 case was lately argued, his majesty s business great, 

 another term at hand, etc. 



Now followeth the manner that was held in this, 

 which his majesty conceiveth was not only indiscreet, 

 but presumptuous and contemptuous. 



For first, they disobeyed this his majesty s com 

 mandment, and proceeded to public argument not 

 withstanding the same; and thought it enough to 

 certify only their mind to his majesty. 



Secondly, in a general letter under all their 

 hands, howsoever it may be upon divided opinion, 

 they alledge unto his majesty their oath ; and that 

 his majesty s commandment, for the attorney s letter 

 was but the case that it was wrapped in, was against 

 law ; as if maturity and a deliberate proceeding were 

 a delay, or that commandment of stay in respect of 

 so high a question of state and prerogative, were like 

 a commandment gotten by importunity, or in favour 

 of a suitor. 



Thirdly, above all, it is to be noted and justly 

 doubted, that upon the contrary, in this that they 

 have done, they have broken their oath ; for their 



