Object. Then it was said, There are like Te∣nures for Sea; and cited two or three: One to hold the King's head at Sea, and some such like: As if two or three Tenures were like to defend the Sea.
Object. It is said the Cinque Ports, that they have priviledges to that purpose.
Answ. 13 E. 3. Parl' Roll' 11. Is the Cinque Ports Service a competent provision to defend a King∣dom against Hostility? I know no Reason but the whole Body should defend it self. 13 E. 3. no. 9. appears expresly that the Commons made defence at their Charge. No man can be discharged of keeping a thing that he did not keep. So because the Subject is said discharged, an Argument that he was charged.
That of Cinque Ports is not for the defence of the Kingdom, but for intercourse of Merchandize, not quando Salus Regni periclitabatur.
Then they object, That Tenures in Ancient Demesne were Talliable without consent, and their Services for the King promised in their House, no reason that should excuse them from the general Service: For though it be true that the King's House imploys such Tenants, yet the Kingdom must be supported by them and the rest of the Subjects together.
Then he did object, That there was another way of Supply of extraordinary means; as Mines in other mens Lands. And here remembred M. 3. R. 2. Prerogative Communia, difference taken between Annual and Casual for defence, 6 R. 2. n. 42. Parl' Roll' The King would live of his own Revenues, and that the Mines should be for the desence of the Kingdom.
Answ. Onslow that argued the Case, said, The King was the most excellent person both at Sea and Land: Therefore the Royal Fish at Sea, and the Gold and Silver Mines at Land was given to him, because he was able to give a stamp on Mo∣ney. And fo. 2. R. 2. they of London prayed that the King would not put them to Charge, but live of his own. Your Authority vanisheth into Smoak.
The King must live forsooth of his ordinary Revenues. M. 3. R. 2. which expresseth that the King would at that time do so. That the King by advice, for salvation of the Kingdom, would use these things given unto him, that indeed was a reasonable thing for that time. But must it be now turned for a necessity, 6 R. 2. no. 42. pars 2. that good government be about the King? Then they Petition that he would live upon the Revenues of the Crown, and that all Wardships, Marriages, Reliefs, Forfeitures, &c. should be for the defence le Roy de bon volunt, &c. The King is willing, and doth desire much to do and ordain in this Case by the Lords of his Realm, which may be best for his honour and profit. This is not a grant∣ing of the King, but referring it to his Lords, at best, it is but a temporary desire.