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of England: For so it was in the Saxons time, and in the Romans time, and in all times[1] it hath bin as it is now; which will sufficiently justifie our present Proceedings against you; and therefore I say, for the Commission it self, it is in general for the Tryal of all Treasons what-soever: But the grand Inquest have found out no other Traytor that they may accuse, but Master John Lilburn, who is now here at the Bar; But it is not a bare accusation, but it is the solemne Verdict of almost a double Iury that hath appeared upon the Roll, and upon their Oaths do conceive those crimes of Treason that are laid against you, to be of so dangerous consequence against the State and Common-Wealth, that they do call for Iustice against you as a Traytor, already found guilty: And therefore I do require you as you are an Englishman, and a rational man, that you do conform your self, and tell us plainly what you will do, as in reference to the putting your self upon your Tryal by the Law, and hear with Patience those Offences of Treason that are laid to your Charge.
Lieut. Col. Lilburn. May it please you Sir, by your favor, I shall not now trouble you with many words.
Lord Keeble. You go improperly to work.
Lieut. Colonel Lilburne. That Gentleman I do not know his Name, (pointing to Judge Iarmen) you were pleased to say that I have had more Favour then ever you have heard of any before ever had in the like case: But Sir, by your Favour, I shall tell you of some that in the like case have had as much, if not more, and that was Throgmorton in Queen Maries time, who was impeached of higher Treason than now I am, and that in the daies of the commonly accounted bloudiest and cruellest Prince that this many hundreds of ye⟨e⟩rs hath reigned in England; and yet Sir, I am sure inthis
- ↑ But there was before the Conquest neither Innes of Court, Lawyers, nor Term Iudges in England, but onely twelve good and legal men, chosen in each Hundred, finally to decide all controversies; which lasted till William the Conqueror subdued that excellent Constitution, and instead thereof, introduced by His Will and Sword (contrary to His Solemn Oath three several times taken) the intolerable bondage of Westminster Hall, or Term Judges, and their Outlandish or Norman Law Practise in the French Tongue; as all the English Chronicles universally and truly declare.
