The clause of his patent, which invested him with absolute power, unlimited by any law, was never objected to him; plainly because, according to the sentiments of those times, that power was in some degree involved in the very idea of regal authority.
* Stowe, p.

600.
** Burner, vol.ii.book i.coll.46.Hayward, p.

308.
Stowe, p.

601 Holingshed, p.

1059.
The Catholics were extremely elated with this revolution; and as they had ascribed all the late innovations to Somerset's authority, they hoped that his fall would prepare the way for the return of the ancient religion.