But, my Lord, I doubt the variety of
matters and the many digressions may minister occasion of
forgetfulness, and may have severed the judgments of the Lords; and
therefore I hold it necessary briefly to recite the Judges'
opinions.'
"That being done, he proceeded to this effect:
"'Now put the case that the Earl of Essex's intents were, as he
would have it believed, to go only as a suppliant to her Majesty.
Shall their petitions be presented by armed petitioners? This must
needs bring loss of property to the prince. Neither is it any point
of law, as my Lord of Southampton would have it believed, that
condemns them of treason. To take secret counsel, to execute it, to
run together in numbers armed with weapons--what can be the excuse?
Warned by the Lord Keeper, by a herald, and yet persist! Will any
simple man take this to be less than treason?'
"The Earl of Essex answered that if he had purposed anything
against others than those his private enemies, he would not have
stirred with so slender a company.
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