chearfully embrace the readiest way to the settlement of these distracted Kingdoms. As al∣so,
on the other side, do but consider the Form and draught of the Bills lately presented un∣to
Me; and as they are the Conditions of a Treaty, ye will conclude, that the same spirit
which hath still been able to frustrate all My sincere and constant endeavours for Peace, hath
had a powerful influence on this Message: for though I was ready to grant the Substance, and
comply with what they seem to desire; yet as they had framed it I could not agree there∣unto,
without deeply wounding my Conscience and Honour, and betraying the Trust repo∣sed
in me, by abandoning my People to the Arbitrary and unlimited power of the two Hou∣ses
for ever, for the levying and maintaining of Land or Sea-Forces, without distinction of
Quality, or limitation for Money-Taxes. And if I could have passed them in terms, how un∣heard
of a Condition were it for a Treaty to grant beforehand the most considerable part
of the subject matter? How ineffectual were that Debate like to prove, wherein the most
potent party had nothing of moment left to ask, and the other nothing more to give? so
consequently, how hopeless of mutual compliance? without which a Settlement is impossi∣ble.
Besides, if after my Concessions the two Houses should insist on those things from which
I cannot depart, how desperate would the Condition of these Kingdoms be, when the most
proper and approved Remedy should become ineffectual? Being therefore fully resolved that
I could neither in Conscience, Honour or Prudence, pass those Four Bills, I only endeavour∣ed
to make the Reasons and Justice of my Denial appear to all the World, as they do to me,
intending to give as little dissatisfaction to the two Houses of Parliament (without betraying
my own Cause) as the matter would bear. I was desirous to give my Answer of the 28. of
December last to the Commissioners sealed, (as I had done others heretofore, and sometimes
at the desire of the Commissioners) chiefly, because when my Messages or Answers were pub∣lickly
known before they were read in the Houses, prejudicial interpretations were forced on
them, much differing, and sometimes contrary to my meaning. For example, my Answer from
Hampton-Court was accused of dividing the two Nations, because I promised to give satisfa∣ction
to the Scots in all things concerning that Kingdom: and this last suffers in a contrary
sense, by making me intend to interest Scotland in the Laws of this Kingdom, (then which
nothing was, nor is, further from my thoughts) because I took notice of the Scots Commis∣sioners
protesting against the Bills and Propositions, as contrary to the Interests and Engage∣ments
of the two Kingdoms. Indeed, if I had not mentioned their dissent, an Objection,
not without some probability, might have been made against me, both in respect the Scots
are much concerned in the Bill for the Militia and in several other Propositions, and my silence
might with some justice seem to approve of it. But the Commissioners refusing to receive
my Answer sealed, I (upon the engagement of their and the Governour's Honour, that no
other use should be made or notice taken of it than as if it had not been seen) read and deli∣vered
it open unto them; whereupon what hath since passed, either by the Governour, in
discharging most of my Servants, redoubling the Guards, and restraining me of my former Li∣berty,
(and all this, as himself confest, meerly out of his own dislike of my Answer, notwith∣standing
his beforesaid Engagement) or afterwards by the two Houses (as the Governor af∣firms)
in confining me within the circuit of this Castle, I appeal to God and the World,
whether my said Answer deserved the Reply of such proceedings; besides the unlawfulness
for Subjects to imprison their King. That, by the permission of Almighty God, I am redu∣ced
to this sad condition, as I no way repine, so I am not without hope but that the same
God will, in due time, convert the Afflictions into my Advantage. In the mean time I am
confident to bear these crosses with Patience and a great equality of Mind: but by what
means or occasion I am come to this Relapse in my Affairs, I am utterly to seek; especially
when I consider that I have sacrificed to my two Houses of Parliament, for the Peace
of the Kingdom, all but what is much more dear to me than my Life, my Conscience and Ho∣nour,
desiring nothing more than to perform it in the most proper and natural way, A
Personal Treaty. But that which makes me most at a loss is, the remembring my sig∣nal
Compliance with the Army and their Interests, and of what importance my Com∣pliance
was to them, and their often-repeated Professions and Engagements for my just
Rights in general, at Newmarket and Saint-Albans, and their particular explanations of
those generals by their Voted and revoted Proposals; which I had reason to understand
should be the utmost extremity would be expected from me, and that in some things there∣in
I should be eased, (herein appealing to the Consciences of some of the chiefest Officers in
the Army, if what I have said be not punctually true:) and how I have failed of their expe∣ctations
or my professions to them, I challenge them and the whole World to produce the
least colour of Reason. And now I would know what it is that is desired. Is it Peace? I have
shewed the way (being both willing and desirous to perform my part in it) which is, a just
Compliance with all chief Interests. Is it Plenty and Happiness? they are the inseparable ef∣fects