Opening of the new Parliament.--The king's speech.--Attacks on Strafford and Laud.--Speeches against them.--Feelings of hostility.--Bill of attainder.--Mode of proceeding.--The trial.--Proceedings against Strafford.--Arrest of Strafford.--Usher of the black rod.--Laud threatened with violence.--Arrest of Laud on the charge of treason.--Laud's speech.--His confinement.--Trial of Strafford.--Unjust conduct of the Commons.--Arrangements at Westminster Hall.--Charges.--Imposing scene.--Strafford's able and eloquent defense.--The charge of treason a mere pretext.--Vote on the bill of attainder.--Interposition of the king.--Clamor of the populace.--Condemnation.--The king hesitates about signing the bill.--The Tower.--Strafford's letter to the king.--The king signs the bill.--Strafford's surprise.--The king asks mercy for Strafford.--Mercy refused.--Strafford's message to Laud.--Composure of Strafford.--His execution.--Execution of Laud.--His firmness. The Parliament assembled in November, 1640. The king proceeded to London to attend it. He left Strafford in command of the army at York. Active hostilities had been suspended, as a sort of temporary truce had been concluded with the Scots, to prepare the way for a final treaty. Strafford had been entirely opposed to this, being still full of energy and courage. The king, however, began to feel alarmed. He went to London to meet the Parliament which he had summoned, but he was prepared to meet them in a very different spirit from that which he had manifested on former occasions. He even gave up all the external circumstances of pomp and parade with which the opening of Parliament had usually been attended. He had been accustomed to go to the House of Lords in state, with a numerous retinue and great parade. Now he was conveyed from his palace along the river in a barge, in a quiet and unostentatious manner. His opening speech, too, was moderate and conciliatory. In a word, it was pretty evident to the Commons that the proud and haughty spirit of their royal master was beginning to be pretty effectually humbled.