Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/283

 Struggle for Constitutional Government 245 After a very short pause, his Majesty stretching forth his hands, the executioner at one blow severed his head from his body ; which, being held up and showed to the people, was with his body put into a coffin covered with black vel- vet and carried into his lodging. His blood was taken up by divers persons for different ends : by some as trophies of their villainy ; by others as relics of a martyr ; and in some hath had the same effect, by the blessing of God, which was often found in his sacred touch when living. VII. The Commonwealth and Cromwell March 17, 1649, Parliament abolished the office of king. Whereas Charles Stuart, late king of England, Ireland, and the territories and dominions thereunto belonging, hath, by authority derived from Parliament, been and is hereby declared to be justly condemned, adjudged to die, and put to death, for many treasons, murders, and other heinous offenses committed by him, by which judgment he stood, and is hereby declared to be, attainted of high trea- son, whereby his issue and posterity, and all others pre- tending title under him, are become incapable of the said crowns or of being king or queen of the said kingdom or dominions, or either or any of them ; be it therefore enacted and ordained, and it is enacted, ordained, and declared, by this present Parliament and by the authority thereof, that all the people of England and Ireland, and the dominions and territories thereunto belonging, of what degree or con- dition soever, are discharged of all fealty, homage, and allegiance which is or shall be pretended to be due unto any of the issue and posterity of the said late king, or any claiming under him, and that Charles Stuart, eldest son, and James, called duke of York, second son, and all other the issue and posterity of him the said late king, and all and every person and persons pretending title from, by, 320. Act abolishing the office of king in England and Ireland (March 17, 1649).