By the present fury of the people, as by an inundation, were all these obstacles swept away, and every rampart of royal authority laid level with the ground.
The victory was pursued with impetuosity by the sagacious commons, who knew the importance of a favorable moment in all popular commotions.

The terror of their authority they extended over the whole nation; and all opposition, and even all blame vented in private conversation, were treated as the most atrocious crimes by these severe inquisitors.
Scarcely was it permitted to find fault with the conduct of any particular member, if he made a figure in the house; and reflections thrown out on Pym were at this time treated as breaches of privilege.
The populace without doors were ready to execute, from the least hint, the will of their leaders; nor was it safe for any member to approach either house, who pretended to control or oppose the general torrent.
After so undisguised a manner was this violence conducted, that Hollis, in a speech to the peers, desired to know the names of such members as should vote contrary to the sentiments of the commons:[**] and Pym said in the lower house, that the people must not be restrained in the expressions of their just desires.[***] * Clarendon, vol.ii.p.

449.
** King's Declaration of 12th of August, 1642 *** King's Declaration of 12th August, 1642.
By the flight, or terror, or despondency of the king's party, an undisputed majority remained everywhere to their opponents; and the bills sent up by the commons, which had hitherto stopped with the peers, and would certainly have been rejected, now passed, and were presented for the royal assent.

These were, the pressing bill with its preamble, and the bill against the votes of the bishops in parliament.

The king's authority was at that time reduced to the lowest ebb.