230 THE HISTORY OF NEWMARKET. [Book IV. 



Still at Newmarket, when by reason of the fowle 

 Weather and Wayes, he can take so great pleasure, 

 nor have any store of Companie : The Lord Marquis 

 of Buckingham, his Lady, and his mother the 

 Countesse with the Lady of Purbecke, being all of 

 note, that I can heere, are about him." * This bad 

 and rebellious example was followed by the House of 

 Commons, which presumed to petition the king and to 

 invite his attention to the state of public affairs. Never 

 was such a consternation known at Newmarket Palace 

 as on the 3rd of December, when a Committee of the 

 House of Commons arrived, and presented their peti- 

 tion and remonstrance to the king. " Twelve of the 

 Lower House had a cold journey to Newmarket, to 

 present their remonstrance and Petition to the King ; 

 which were a kind of answer to the King's letter, that 

 did a little daunt them at first, but they soon recovered 

 their spirits. The Messengers came back on Thursday, 

 and yesterday made their relation to the House. It 

 seems they had a favourable reception, and the King 

 played with them in calling for stools ' for the Ambas- 

 sadors to sit down ; ' but in conclusion he read the 

 Remonstrance, but would not look at the Petition, and 

 for answer returned his pleasure in writing, which was 

 twice read yesterday in the House. But sure there is 

 not that good understanding between the King and 

 them that were to be wished, whilst he is apprehensive 

 of the least point that may seem to touch his Preroga- 

 tive, and they so jealous and careful to preserve their 

 Privileges. And withall it is thought some privy 



* Birch MSS., 4174, fo. i8, 19. 



