16
would prevent all censure of the King's measures. But so unfavourable are the circumstances with which a Monarch is necessarily surrounded, that advice offered to him by any of his people cannot be supposed likely to make any impression, unless conveyed in the most startling language. There is a somewhat in all power which makes it dead except to the strongest stimulants. But by what means can advice so couched be wafted to the ear of Royalty? The man who offers it becomes an accused felon (for the Secretary of War too sublime and vigorous for the slow-paced decencies of law holds that felony is a something not necessarily determined by the sentence of a Jury, but dependent on his individual opinion) the man who offers it becomes an accused felon. I have read, I think, that in some eastern courts the Ambassadors from Europe have their arms pinioned while they speak to the Despot. Our minsters faithful to Despotism, intend to improve on the hint, and no man who sets forth grievances (and who is therefore properly an Ambassador from the people) must speak to his Majesty, unless in handcuffs and in fetters. And when the people dare not advise, who will remain? Wolseys that breathe foul disorders into the ear of Majesty; andwhole
