Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/505

 1567.] THE MURDER OF DARN LEY. 485 being covered with the two vizors succession and liberty which they determined must be either presently granted, denied, or deferred ; in granting whereof they had their desire ; and denying or deferring thereof, those things being so plaudable as indeed to all men they are, they thought to work me that mischief which never foreign enemy could bring to pass which is the hatred of my Commons. ' But alas ! they began to pierce the vessel before the wine was fined, and began a thing not foreseeing the end, how by this means I have seen my well- wilier s from my enemies, and can as meseemeth very well divide the House into four : ' i. The broachers and workers thereof, who are in the greatest fault. ' 2. The speakers, who by eloquent tales persuaded the rest, are next in degree. ' 3. The agreers, who being so light of credit that the eloquence of those tales so overcame them that they gave more credit thereunto than unto their own wits. ' 4. Those that sat still and mute and meddled not therewith, but rather wondered disallowing the matter ; who in my opinion are most to be excused. ' But do you think that either I am so unmindful of your surety by succession, wherein is all my care, consi- dering I know myself to be but mortal ? No, I warrant you. Or that I went about to break your liberties ? No, it never was in my meaning ; but to stay you before you fell into the ditch. For all things have their time ; and although perhaps you may have after me a better-