CHARLES I.

265

“ house of commons, which we have just cause chap.« to believe an effect of the bloody counsels of lv.cc papists and other ill-affected persons, who have l642 -« already raised a rebellion in the kingdom ofcc Ireland. And whereas , by reason of many“ discoveries, we cannot but fear they will pro-“ ceed, not only to stir up the like rebellions« and insurrections in this kingdom of Eng-« land; but also to back them with forces fromcc abroad , &c ,s . ”

Here Charles first ventured to put a stop tohis concessions; and that not by a refusal, but adelay. When this demand was made; a demand,which, if granted, the commons justly regardedas the last they should ever have occasion tomake; he was at Dover, attending the queen andthe princess of Orange , in their embarkation.

He replied, that he had not now leisure to con-sider a matter of so great importance, and musttherefore respite his answer till his return **.

The parliament instantly dispatched another mes- --a Feb.sage to him, with solicitations still more impor-tunate. They expressed their great grief onaccount of his majesty’s answer to their just andnecessary petition. They represented , that anydelay , during dangers and distractions so greatand pressing , was not less unsatisfactory anddestructive than an absolute denial. They insisted,that it was their duty to fee put in execution a

* s Rushworth, vol. v. p. 519.

* RuIhworth , vol. v. p. 521.