But he lived when our government had neither clear definitions nor strong sanctions.

Let, therefore, his faults be ascribed to the time.

Of his virtues the praise is his own.
"Never was there a more gracious prince, or a more proper gentleman.
In every pleasure he was temperate, in conversation mild and grave, in friendship constant, to his servants liberal, to his queen faithful and loving, in battle grave, in sorrow and captivity resolved, in death most Christian and forgiving.
"For his oppressions, let us look at the former history of this realm.
James was never accounted a tyrant.

Elizabeth is esteemed to have been the mother of her people.

Were they less arbitrary?
Did they never lay hands on the purses of their subjects but by Act of Parliament?
Did they never confine insolent and disobedient men but in due course of law?
Was the court of Star Chamber less active?
Were the ears of libellers more safe?
I pray you, let not king Charles be thus dealt with.