43.
In carrying up the bill to the lords, St.John, the solicitor-general, advanced two topics well suited to the fury of the times; that though the testimony against Strafford were not clear, yet, in this way of bill, private satisfaction to each man's conscience was sufficient, even should no evidence at all be produced; and that the earl had no title to plead law, because he had broken the law.

It is true, added he, we give law to hares and deer, for they are beasts of chase: but it was never accounted either cruel or unfair to destroy foxes or wolves wherever they can be found, for they are beasts of prey.[*] After popular violence had prevailed over the lords, the same battery was next applied to force the king's assent.

The populace flocked about Whitehall, and accompanied their demand of justice with the loudest clamors and most open menaces.

Rumors of conspiracies against the parliament were anew spread abroad; invasions and insurrections talked of; and the whole nation was raised into such a ferment, as threatened some great and imminent convulsion.

On whichever side the king cast his eyes, he saw no resource or security.