Basiliká the works of King Charles the martyr : with a collection of declarations, treaties, and other papers concerning the differences betwixt His said Majesty and his two houses of Parliament : with the history of his life : as also of his tryal and martyrdome.

XL. To the Gentry of Yorkshire, at YORK, May 12. MDCXLII.

GEntlemen, I have cause of adding, not altering what I meant to say, when I gave out the summons for this daies appearance. I little thought of these Messengers, or of such a Message as they brought: The which, because it confirms me in what I intend to speak, and that I desire you should be truly informed of all Passages between me and the Parliament, you shall hear read; first, my Answer to the Declaration of both Houses concerning Hull; the Answer of the Parliament to my two Messages concerning Hull, together with my reply to the same; and my Message to both Houses, declaring the Rea∣sons why I refused to pass the Bill concerning the Militia.

All which being read, His Majesty proceeded;

I will make no Paraphrases upon what ye have heard; it is more befitting a Lawyer than a King. Only this observation, Since Treason is countenanced so near me, it is time to look to my Safety. I avow, it was part of my wonder, that men whom I thought heretofore discreet and moderate should have undertaken this imployment;

and that, since they came, I having delivered them the Answer you have heard, and commanded them to return personally with it to the Parliament, they should have flatly disobeyed Me, upon pretence of the Parliament's Command. My end in telling you this is, to warn you of them; for since these men have brought me such a Message, and disobeyed so lawful a Command, I will not say what their intent of staying here is: Only I bid you take heed, not knowing what Doctrine of Disobedience they may preach to you, under colour of obeying the Parliament. Hitherto I have found and kept you quiet, the enjoying of which was a chief cause of My coming hither, Tumults and Disorders having made Me leave the South; and not to make this a seat of War, as Malice would (but, I hope, in vain) make you believe. Now if Disturbances come, I know whom I have reason to suspect.

To be short, You see that my Magazine is going to be taken from me, being my Own proper Goods, directly against my will; the Militia, against Law and my Consent, is going to be put in execution; and lastly, Sir J. Hotham's Treason is countenanced. All this considered, none can blame me to apprehend Dangers. Therefore I have thought fit upon these real grounds to tell you, that I am resolved to have a Guard (the Parliament having had one all this while upon imaginary Jealousies) only to secure my Person. In which I desire your concurrence and assistance, and that I may be able to protect you, the Laws, and the true Protestant Profession, from any affront or injury that may be offered; which I mean to maintain my self, without charge to the Countrey; intending not longer to keep them on foot than I shall be secured of my just apprehensions, by having satisfaction in the particulars before mentioned.