CHIEF JUSTICE COKE. 341 



tual in that he dealeth in, is like to recover that 

 strength to the king s prerogative, which it hath 

 had in times past, and which is due unto it. And 

 for that purpose there must be brought in to be 

 solicitor some man of courage and speech, and a 

 grounded lawyer ; which done, his majesty will 

 speedily find a marvellous change in his business. 

 For it is not to purpose for the judges to stand 

 well-disposed, except the king s council, which is the 

 active and moving part, put the judges well to it ; 

 for in a weapon, what is a back without an edge ? 



Thirdly, the king shall continue and add repu 

 tation to the attorney s and solicitor s place, by this 

 orderly advancement of them ; which two places are 

 the champion s places for his rights and preroga 

 tive ; and being stripped of their expectations and 

 successions to great place, will wax vile ; and then 

 his majesty s prerogative goeth down the wind. 

 Besides, the remove of my lord Coke to a place of 

 less profit, though it be with his will, yet will be 

 thought abroad a kind of discipline to him for op 

 posing himself in the king s causes ; the example 

 whereof will contain others in more awe. 



Lastly, whereas now it is voiced abroad touch 

 ing the supply of places, as if it were a matter of 

 labour, and canvass, and money ; and other persons 

 are chiefly spoken of to be the men, and the great 

 suitors ; this will appear to be the king s own act, 

 and is a course so natural and regular, as it is with 

 out all suspicion of these by-courses, to the king s 

 infinite honour. For men say now, the king 



