the law (till I am legally convicted) as any of those that call me so: do not blemish me in the ears of the auditors.
Mr. Attorney General.—If Mr. Lilburne be innocent, pray put it to a final issue, and let the world judge.
Lord Keble.—The law of England is the most tender of any in the world: you have been found guilty by twenty-one men, upon their oaths and consciences, yet this is not thought sufficient, but you are to have twelve intelligent men of your neighbourhood to hear all over again before they pass upon your life, and according to the rules of this law we proceed.
Judge Jermin.—And though you say the laws are in another tongue, you have no reason to complain; for we try you by English laws, and proceed in English against you.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—Truly, I think it is not just to smooth me into snares by fair promises; and when you have drilled me into destruction, break them: if I had thought you would have denied me council, I would have died before I would have pleaded.
Lord Keble.—You have had time to prepare; you knew of your coming, and knew the fact you have committed.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—I was informed corresponding with the prince was my chiefest crime, and prepared my defence to that, not dreaming of an accusation for books only, and then to hang me by a law made after the supposed crime was committed, is not fair.
Lord Keble.—We will give you time to send for your witnesses, and consider of your defence till to-morrow morning seven of the clock.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—Some of them are 80 or 100 miles off; how is it possible they should be here to-morrow morning? and some (being parliament-men, and officers of the army) will not come without compulsion, I therefore desire subpœnas.
Lord Keble.—As you knew of your coming long ago, you ought to have brought them with you.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—How could I provide for any thing but that I was first imprisoned for? Could I divine? Pray give me but eight days.
Lord Keble.—We will give you no more; the court neither can or will wait on you.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—My judgment and conscience tell me it is my right by the law of England, the law of God, and the law of reason.
Lord Keble.—You insinuate to the people as if no one had judgment and conscience but yourself; but I tell you, our consciences, religion, zeal and righteousness are as much as yours.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—I shall not make comparisons; I speak as to myself.
Lord Keble.—Mr. Attorney hath made process against you, returnable to-morrow morning seven o'clock, therefore more talk will be loss of time to you. And [speaking aloud to the people] all here are to observe you have had more favour than ever prisoner had; you ought to have been tried presently: but that the world may know with what candour the court proceeds, you have till to-mor-
