Page:Precedents of Proceedings in the House of Commons (4th ed, 1818, vol I).djvu/247

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To the KING's Most Excellent Majesty; from the House of Commons assembled in Parliament.

Apology of the Commons 20 June 1604; on Freedom of Speech, &c.

Most Gracious Sovereign,

E cannot but with much joy and thankfulness of mind acknowledge your Majesty's great graciousness, in declaring lately unto us, by the mouth of our Speaker, That you rested now satisfied with our doings. Which satisfaction notwithstanding, though most desired and dear unto us, yet proceeding merely from your Majesty's most gracious disposition, and not from any justification which on our behalf hath been made; we found this joy intermingled with no small grief; and could not, dread Sovereign, in our dutiful love to your Majesty, and in our ardent desire of the continuance of your favour towards us, but tender in humble sort this farther Rh