429.
** Thurloe, vol.i.p.

616.
Another act of severity, but necessary in his situation, was, at the very same time, exercised by the protector, in the capital punishment of Gerard and Vowel, two royalists, who were accused of conspiring against his life.

He had erected a high court of justice for their trial; an infringement of the ancient laws which at this time was become familiar, but one to which no custom or precedent could reconcile the nation.
Juries were found altogether unmanageable.

The restless Lilburn, for new offences, had been brought to a new trial; and had been acquitted with new triumph and exultation.

If no other method of conviction had been devised during this illegal and unpopular government, all its enemies were assured of entire impunity.
The protector had occasion to observe the prejudices entertained against his government, by the disposition of the parliament, which he summoned on the third of September, that day of the year on which he gained his two great victories of Dunbar and Worcester, and which he always regarded as fortunate for him.