THE LONG PARLIAMENT

137

and the tools of oppression trembled at the word of a parliament. But the king saw no other way out of his position: he felt constrained to yield for a time in the hope that a returning tide might again float his stranded vessel.

On November 3, the Long Parliament first met. It was composed of men whose courage and ability had been dearly proved in the hard struggle against the king and his faction, and whose resentment had been inflamed by the arbitrary punishments many of them had suffered, as well as by the outraged rights of the nation whom they represented. Though elected under the stimulus of popular indignation, none of them were returned with the object of overthrowing the monarchy, and few of them at that time were republicans. The younger Vane, still treasurer of the navy, was returned as member for Kingston-on-Hull; his father for Wilton. His father-in-law, Sir Christopher Wray, was member for Great Grimsby. In opening parliament the king sought to arouse the national pride against the Scots whom he termed rebels; but the parliament had other aims in view, and regarded the Scots as useful allies. Committees were at once appointed to inquire into grievances, and petitions and complaints came pouring in from all parts. The petitions of Leighton, Prynne, Bastwick, and Burton, narrating the cruelties which they suffered, drew tears from those who listened. The House ordered their release. The Lord-keeper Finch and Windebank, deeply implicated in acts of tyranny, fled beyond seas. A list was made out of the agents of the crown who had been concerned in carrying out the measures condemned. These delin

quents knew that, at any time, they might be called before the House to answer for what they had done. The bishops called in their pursuivants and informers, and the Non-conformist preachers boldly resumed their ministrations.

CHAPTER IX

Pym impeaches Strafford. His Trial. Evidence of the Vanes against him. His Defence and Condemnation. Abandoned by Charles I. His Execution.

WHILE still in the north, Strafford had represented to his master that his presence at the coming parliament would only excite anger and hatred. The king replied that he had need of his counsels, and that parliament would not touch one hair of his head. On November 6 Pym rose and moved that a committee of the whole house be appointed to inquire into the great oppressions complained of by the king's subjects in Ireland. The earl's friends now earnestly advised him either to remain with the army in the north, or to retire to his government in Ireland, even to go abroad till the approaching storm should spend itself; but confident in the protection of his master, Strafford set out for London prepared to accuse some of the parliamentary leaders of inciting the Scots to invade England. He reached London on November 10 utterly exhausted with his illness and the fatigue of his hurried journey. His enemies were alert, ready to strike the first blow. On the morning of the 11th Pym began the debate

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over of justice. We must te amo orator, who had been able jesty's excellent judgment, kedly apply his authority art his own corrupt designs. re signal than the rest,

and contrivance and of what he designed to pass; many present, had sat cator of the laws, and a turte berties of the people; so be turned apostate, and deny to the liberties of promoter of tyranny

apest Fyn was followed by

geman of Ireland, and
sof Strafford's arbitrary

the north. Not a single
The parliament ordered
was determined that a
be appointed to prepare
inst the earl, which were
and desired the House
rs which had been
e Lords to accuse
Such a delay
he king and

that the
ndergo
ther

STRAFFORD ARRESTED

141

presently sent up to impeach him of high treason before the House of Peers in the name of all the Commons of England the Lords would be obliged in justice to commit him into safe custody, and so sequester him from resorting to the council or having access to his majesty." To those who doubted whether the particulars alleged would amount to high treason, it was answered that the House of Commons were not judges, but only accusers, and that the ords were the proper judges, whether such enormous imes in one person did not amount to the highest ence the law took notice of. So it was voted that · should forthwith send up to the Lords, and e the Earl of Strafford of high treason. Mr vas chosen to be the spokesman; the doors then ened, and most of the members accompanied der to the Upper House, which had been ing by some peers who knew what was Most likely some one had warned the himself from the fatigues of his journey, had been struck, for about three o'clock 1 he drove to the House. He calls or. The black rod opens, when his roud, gloomy countenance, makes t the board head.' Many voices draw. He was made to retire fter a while he was summoned ords, and at the bar stood dred of the Commons at manded to kneel, and

of this scene, gives a graphic 17, letter 19 et seq., which

olio of the trial.