148 LAND REFORM 



But the barons were too powerful to submit to 

 these measures without retaliation. Referring to the 

 sequel, Strype writes (p. 237) : — 



" The Protector had by this time lost himself among 

 the nobility and gentry, for, being of a gentle and 

 good nature, he loved and pitied the poorer sort, too 

 much oppressed by the rich and particularly by that 

 covetous practice of inclosures whereby the cattle of 

 the poor were shut out of their ancient benefit of 

 feeding in common . . . which made the Protector 

 somewhat sharp upon those of the higher rank and 

 quality." 



Altogether, reading those numerous, lengthy, and 

 — most of them — original papers, it is impossible to 

 come to any other conclusion than that the Protector's 

 fall and fate were brought about mainly by the intense 

 hatred of the lords, caused by his agrarian policy. 

 Amonor the counts in the indictment against him at 

 his trial, there were three which, no doubt, in the eyes 

 of the peers who tried him, contained the greatest 

 possible offences and which contributed largely to his 

 condemnation. 



These counts are : — 



" I. You caused a proclamation to be made con- 

 cerning inclosures, whereby the common people have 

 made divers insurrections and levied open war and 

 spoiled divers of the king's subjects, which pro- 

 clamation went forth against the will of the whole 

 Council. 



" 2. Also you caused a Commission to be made 

 out concerning inclosing of commons, decaying 

 cottages, giving the Commission power to determine 

 and hear such causes to the subversion of the laws 

 of the realme, whereby much sedition, insurrection, 

 and rebellion have arisen among the King's subjects. 



