IT hath been my greatest griefe in all these troubles, to be taken as a person which should endea­vour to represent and set things amisse betweene your Majestie and your people; and to give Counsells tend­ing to the disquiet of the three Kingdomes.

Most true it is, that this mine own private con­dition considered, it had been a great mad­nesse, since through your gracious favour I was so provided, as not to expect in any kinde to mend my fortune, or please my mind more, then by resting where your bounteous hands had placed me.

Nay, it is most mightily mistaken, for unto your Majestie it is well known, my poore, and humble advises concluded still in this, That your Majestie and your people could never be happy, till there were a right understanding betwixt you and them: no other means to ef­fect, and settle this happinesse, but by the Councell, and assent of the Parliament; or to prevent the growing evills upon this State but by intirely putting your selfe in the last resort, upon the loyalty, and good affections of your English Subjects.

Yet such is my misfortune, this truth findeth little credit, the contrary seemeth generally to be beleeved, and my selfe reputed, as some thing of separation between you, and your people; under a heavier censure then which I am perswaded no Gentleman can suffer.

Now, I understand the minds of men are more incensed against me, notwithstanding your Majestie hath declared, that in your Princely opinion, I am not guilty of treason, nor are you satisfied in your conscience to passe the Bill.

This bringeth me into a very great streight, there is before me the ruine of my Children, and Family, hitherto untouched, in all the branches of it with any foule crimes. Here is before me the many ills, which may befall your sacred Person, and the whole Kingdome, should your selfe, and Parliament part lesse [Page] satisfied one with the other, then is necessary for the preservation both of King and people. Here are before me the things most valued, most feared, by mortall man, Life, or Death.

To say Sir, that there hath not been a strife in me, were to make me lesse man, than God knoweth, mine infirmities give me. And to call a destruction upon my self, and young Children, where the intentions of my heart (at least have been innocent of this great offence) may be believed, will finde no easie content from flesh and blood.

But with much sadnesse, I am come to a reso­lution, of that which I take to be best becom­ing me, to look upon that which is most prin­cipall in it self, which doubtlesse is the pro­sperity of your sacred person, and the common wealth, infinitely before any private mans in­terest.

And therefore in few words, as I put my self wholly upon the honour, and justice of my Peers so clearly, as to beseech your Ma­jesty might please to have spared that decla­ration of yours on Saturday last, and intirely to have left me to their Lordships; so now, to set your Majesties conscience at liberty, I do most humbly beseech your Majesty, in prevention of mistakes which may happen, by your refu­sall, to passe this B [...]ll; And by this means re­move (praysed be God) I cannot say, this ac­cursed (but I confesse) this unfortunate thing [Page] forth of the way, towards that blessed agree­ment, which God I trust, shall ever establish be­tween you and your subjects.

Sir, my consent shall more acquit you herein to God, than all the world can do besides. To a willing man there is no injury done. And as by Gods grace, I forgive all the world with a calmnesse and meeknesse of infinite Con­tentment to my dislodging soul; So Sir, to you can I give the life of this world, with all the cheerfulnesse imaginable; in the just acknow­ledgement of your exceeding favours. And onely beg that in your goodnesse, you would vouchsafe to cast your gracious regard upon my poor Son, and his three Sisters, lesse, or more, and no otherwise, than as their (in pre­sent) unfortunate Father, may hereafter ap­pear more or lesse guilty of this death.

Tower, 4 May, 1641.