For above all earthly treasures I esteem my
people's love, more than which I desire not to merit. That my
grants should be grievous unto my people and oppressions to be
privileged under color of our patents, our kingly dignity shall
not suffer it. Yea, when I heard it I could give no rest unto my
thoughts until I had reformed it. Shall they (think you) escape
unpunished that have thus oppressed you, and I have been
respectless of their duty and regardless of our honor? No, no, Mr.
Speaker, I assure you, were it not more for conscience' sake than
for any glory or increase of love that I desire, these errors,
troubles, vexations, and oppressions done by these varlets and low
persons (not worthy the name of subjects) should not escape
without condign punishment. But I perceive they dealt with me like
physicians who, ministering a drug, make it more acceptable by
giving it a good aromatical savor; or when they give pills, do
gild them all over. I have ever used to set the Last Judgment day
before my eyes and so to rule as I shall be judged, to answer
before a higher judge. To whose judgment seat I do appeal that
never thought was cherished in my heart that tended not unto my
people's good. And now if my kingly bounties have been abused and
my grants turned to the hurts of my people, contrary to my will
and meaning, or if any in authority under me have neglected or
perverted what I have commited to them, I hope Good will not lay
their culps [sins] and offenses to my charge.
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