.

And for that we find ourselves also not well dealt withal by the States, in that they have pressed the said Earl, without our assent or privity, to accept of a more absolute government than was agreed on between us and their commissioners, we have also thought meet that you shall charge them therewith, according to the directions hereafter ensuing.

And to the end there may be no delay used in the execution of that which we think meet to be presently done, you shall charge the said States, even as they tender the continuance of our good-will towards them, to proceed to the speedy execution of our request." After this trumpet-like preamble it may be supposed that the blast which followed would be piercing and shrill.

The instructions, in truth, consisted in wild, scornful flourishes upon one theme.

The word contempt had occurred five times in the brief preamble.