musters of the county; but, instead of it, he had courted popularity by interrupting the levy of the subsidy.[1] The judges on circuit at the same time complained of the coercion and undue influence which he exercised in the administration of justice, and of the dread with which his power was regarded by juries. No indictment could take effect against the adherents of the Marquis of Exeter; no dependent of the Courtenays was ever cast in a cause.[2]
From this and other causes altercations had arisen between Exeter and Cromwell at the council-board. High words had passed on Lord Darcy's arraignment. The Marquis had been compelled to sit as high steward; and Lord Delaware, in an account of the trial, stated that when the verdict was given of guilty, a promise had been exacted from Cromwell to save Darcy's life, and even to save his property from confiscation.[3] Cromwell may have done his best, and Darcy's death have been the act of the King. With Henry guilt was ever in proportion to rank; he was never known to pardon a convicted traitor of noble blood. But the responsi-
- ↑ 'At my lord marquis being in Exeter at the time of the rebellion, he took direction that all commissions for the second subsidy should stay the levy thereof for a time.'—Sir Piers Edgecombe to Cromwell: MS. State Paper Office, second series, vol. x.
- ↑ 'The marquis was the man that should help and do them good.' Men said, 'See the experience, how all those do prevail that were towards the marquis. Neither assizes, nisi prius, nor bill of indictment put up against them could take effect; and, of the contrary part, how it prevailed for them.'—Sir Thomas Willoughby to Cromwell: MS. Cotton. Titus, B 1, 386.
- ↑ Depositions relating to Lord Delaware: Rolls House MS. first series. 426.
