The cry incessantly resounded against "bishops and rotten-hearted lords."[**] The former especially, being distinguishable by their habit, and being the object of violent hatred to all the sectaries, were exposed to the most dangerous insults.[***] Williams, now created archbishop of York, having been abused by the populace, hastily called a meeting of his brethren.

By his advice, a protestation was drawn and addressed to the king and the house of lords.
The bishops there set forth, that though they had an undoubted right to sit and vote in parliament, yet in coming thither, they had been menaced, assaulted, affronted, by the unruly multitude, and could no longer with safety attend their duty in the house.

For this reason they protested against all laws, votes, and resolutions, as null and invalid, which should pass during the time of their constrained absence.

This protestation, which, though just and legal, was certainly ill-timed, was signed by twelve bishops, and communicated to the king, who hastily approved of it.

As soon as it was presented to the lords, that house desired a conference with the commons, whom they informed of this unexpected protestation.