It is a modern myth that Englishmen have always been consumed with enthusiasm for parliamentary government and with a thirst for a parliamentary vote.

The interpretation of history, like that of the Scriptures, varies from age to age; and present political theories colour our views of the past.

The political development of the nineteenth century created a parliamentary legend; and civil and religious liberty became the inseparable stage (p.

034) properties of the Englishman.

Whenever he appeared on the boards, he was made to declaim about the rights of the subject and the privileges of Parliament.