In some nations, the privileges of the commons increased by this increase of property: in most nations, the kings, finding arms to be dropped by the barons, who could no longer endure their former rude manner of life, established standing armies, and subdued the liberties of their kingdoms: but in all places, the condition of the people, from the depression of the petty tyrants by whom they had formerly been oppressed rather than governed, received great improvement, and they acquired, if not entire liberty, at least the most considerable advantages of it.

And as the general course of events thus tended to depress the nobles and exalt the people, Henry VII., who also embraced that system of policy, has acquired more praise than his institutions, strictly speaking, seem of themselves to deserve on account of any profound wisdom attending them.
* 19 Henry VII.cap.7 gates.
** 19 Henry VII.cap.

8.
*** 10 Henry VII.cap.

18.
**** 12 Henry VII.cap.

6.
It was by accident only that the king had not a considerable share in those great naval discoveries, by which the present age was so much distinguished.