Page:Celebrated Trials - Volume 2.djvu/127

Rh to oppose the present usurpers; and desires the soldiers (if they have any commiseration) to assist in their redemption from slavery: And that the soldiers, especially those who signed The Solemn Engagement, should chuse two out of each troop and company to correspond and consult with the said young men's friends, for establishing the liberties and freedom of the people."

Mr. Attorney-General.—Read pages 9 and 57.

The substance is, "That they, the young men and apprentices of London, &c. are fully resolved to instigate their fellow-apprentices of the out-parishes to chuse agents likewise, and desire by letter each county in England to do the same; which agents should, with their Burford friends, all meet, to consider the speediest method of chusing a new parliament, according to the said Agreement, seeing the present pretended Parliament only share the public treasure and most beneficial places among themselves, without redressing oppressions, or receiving petitions of complaint; for notwithstanding the many oaths, promises, &c. of the present commonwealth, to maintain the liberties and good of the people, that they are perjured tyrants, &c. and ought to be abhorred by all men."

Mr. Attorney-General observed, that the long forbearance towards Mr. Lilburne's traitorous provocations was sufficient testimony of the state's clemency; and that he could scarcely contain himself to hear such dangerous expressions and insufferable treasons.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—The exclamations of people, who are oppressed, is not treason within the old laws of England.

Mr. Attorney-General observed, That to call the parliament tyrants, usurpers, and traitors, and stir up the people to destroy them, might be brought within the statute 25 Edw. III. chap. 2. and that Mr. Lilburne had vilified General Fairfax and his chief officers, and called the Lord General Cromwell, murderer; and that he would prove Mr. Lilburne had endeavoured to draw the soldiers from their obedience, which was high-treason in the last clause of the act. Read the epistle to the legal fundamental, &c.

The substance is, That he positively accused Cromwell for the wilful murder of Mr. Richard Arnold, near Ware.

Mr. Attorney-General observed, that Mr. Arnold was condemned by a council of war, for a mutineer.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lilburne.—It being done in a time of peace, when the courts of justice are open, is contrary to the petition of right; and that the Earl of Strafford (who was as great a general) suffered for such like acts; therefore if the judgment of Strafford or the petition of right be legal, the shooting of Arnold is absolute murder.

Clerk reads.—That Cromwell and his confederates were guilty of most of the crimes (in kind) charged against the late king though under a new denomination.

Mr. Attorney-General—Read pages 35, 37, and 38.

Here he says, that no promises could bind the chief jugglers and leaders of the army: and that he (Lilburne) left the council they had called, esteeming them a pack of dissembling knaves, especially Commissary Ireton; and dared aver that the General and chiefest of the council were fully determined to spend their hearts' blood rather than condescend to the book intitled "Agreement of the People for a just Freedom;" for that a new and just parliament was more dreadful to