For, on the least complaint of any man's misdemeanour,
or information from any member, immediately a serjeant at arms was
sent for them, and so much a mile and hour paid, and down on their
marrowbones to their worships, and a sound scolding from Mr
Speaker, or else to the Tower or Gatehouse they went. The king, God
bless him, never took a quarter of that state on him they did ...
It was brought to that pass, that two footboys, boxing one day in
the Palace-yard, he that was beaten proved to belong to a member,
and told the other boy, if he knew his master, he would cause him
to be sent for in custody, for keeping such a rogue as he was, that
had committed a breach of privilege in beating a member's servant.
The boy replied, if it would do him any kindness, he would beat him
again, and tell him his master's name into the bargain; and would
lay him a crown, that, though his master should bid the Speaker,
and all the House of Commons, kiss, &c. they durst not send a
serjeant at arms for him. The beaten boy, much nettled at his
speech, laid down his money, as the other did: now, said the boy,
my master is the king of France, and I am come over with some of
his servants to fetch horses out of England; go, bid thy master and
the House of Commons send a serjeant at arms to fetch him
over.--_Sam.
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