and danger, offered their service to the
king. Between them and the populace there passed frequent skirmishes,
which ended not without bloodshed. By way of reproach, these gentlemen
gave the rabble the appellation of Roundheads, on account of the short
cropped hair which they wore: these called the others Cavaliers. And
thus the nation, which was before sufficiently provided with religious
as well as civil causes of quarrel, was also supplied with party names,
under which the factions might rendezvous and signalize their mutual
hatred.[*]

Meanwhile the tumults still continued, and even increased about
Westminster and Whitehall. The cry incessantly resounded against
"bishops and rotten-hearted lords."[**] The former especially, being
distinguishable by their habit, and being the object of violent hatred
to all the sectaries, were exposed to the most dangerous insults.[***]
Williams, now created archbishop of York, having been abused by the
populace, hastily called a meeting of his brethren. By his advice, a
protestation was drawn and addressed to the king and the house of lords.
The bishops there set forth, that though they had an undoubted right
to sit and vote in parliament, yet in coming thither, they had been
menaced, assaulted, affronted, by the unruly multitude, and could no
longer with safety attend their duty in the house. For this reason they
protested against all laws, votes, and resolutions, as null and invalid,
which should pass during the time of their constrained absence. This
protestation, which, though just and legal, was certainly ill-timed,
was signed by twelve bishops, and communicated to the king, who hastily
approved of it. As soon as it was presented to the lords, that house
desired a conference with the commons, whom they informed of this
unexpected protestation. The opportunity was seized with joy and
triumph. An impeachment of high treason was immediately sent up against
the bishops, as endeavoring to subvert the fundamental laws, and to
invalidate the authority of the legislature.[****] They were, on the
first demand, sequestered from parliament, and committed to custody. No
man in either house ventured to speak a word in their vindication; so
much displeased was every one at the egregious imprudence of which they
had been guilty. One person alone said, that he did not believe them
guilty of high treason; but that they were stark mad, and therefore
desired they might be sent to bedlam.[v]