ing of England, you are accused in behalf of
the commons of England of divers Crimes and Treasons, which
Charge hath been read unto you: the Court now requires you to
give your positive and final Answer, by way of confession or
denial of the Charge.'

KING--Sir, I say again to you, so that I might give satisfaction
to the people of England of the clearness of my proceeding, not
by way of Answer, not in this way, but to satisfy them that I
have done nothing against that trust that has been committed to
me, I would do it; but to acknowledge a new Court, against their
Privileges, to alter the fundamental laws of the kingdom--sir,
you must excuse me.

LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, this is the third time that you have
publicly disowned this Court, and put an affront upon it. How
far you have preserved the privileges of the people, your
actions have spoke it; but truly, Sir, men's intentions ought to
be known by their actions; you have written your meaning in
bloody characters throughout the whole kingdom. But, Sir, you
understand the pleasure of the Court.--Clerk, Record the
Default.--And, Gentlemen, you that took charge of the Prisoner,
take him back again.

KING--I will only say this one word more to you: If it were only
my own particular, I would not say any more, nor interrupt you.

LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, you have heard the pleasure of the Court,
and you are (notwithstanding you will not understand it) to find
that you are before a court of justice.

Then the King went forth with his guard, and proclamation was made, That
all persons which had then appeared, and had further to do at the Court,
might depart into the Painted Chamber; to which place the Court did
forthwith adjourn, and intended to meet in Westminster Hall by ten of
the clock next morning.

CRYER--God bless the kingdom of England!

Wednesday, January 24th, 1649.

This day it was expected the High Court of Justice would have met in
Westminster Hall, about ten of the clock; but at the time appointed, one
of the Ushers, by direction of the Court (then sitting in the Painted
Chamber) gave notice to the people there assembled, That in regard the
Court was then upon the Examination of Witnesses, in relation to present
affairs, in the Painted Chamber, they could not sit there; but all
persons appointed to be there, were to appear upon further summons.

The P