When the ancient parliaments of France met according to the constitution annually, the king went to meet the members seated in a waggon drawn by oxen, which a waggoner drove with his goad to the parliament house; but he was in no state until he was seated there, robed and crowned, and sceptred. And, in-deed, in that place only, where the great affairs of the Com-monwealth are transacted, can it be said, that Real Majesty does truly and properly reside; and not where the king plays, or dances, or prattles with his women, when the vulgar are always styling him, your Majesty. Hotomun's Franco-gallia, p. 73. David, the patient tribes too much opprest, Vex'd them with tribute, and deny'd them rest; Harass'd the land with imposts and alarms, Taxing and fighting--money! and to arms! {168} His son, however wise, disturbed their peace, With taxes for his sumptuous palaces; His love of women and his garish state, His love of pomp and show, and looking great; His building projects, and his vast designs, Too vast for all the gold of Ophir's mines, The people's hearts dismay'd, their feelings pain'd, Their love unsettled, and their treasures drain'd. * * Solomon could have but two occasions for money; one for his costly buildings, the other for his numerous women, for he never had any wars. To the expense of his buildings the kings of other countries contributed largely; so that it must have beeu his excesses in women, and other luxurious indulgences, that caused him to oppress the people with heavy burdens of taxes. By two such' vigorous monarchs long opprest, The next that came they loyally addrest; Implored his gracious majesty would please To tax them less, and let them live in peace. The son of Solomon with anger hears The people dare to offer him their pray'rs, Spurns their Address, his rage no bounds restrain, And thus he gives his answer with disdain:-- "I bear from Heaven the ensigns of my sway, My business is to rule, and your's obey: Therefore your scandalous Address withdraw, 'Tis my command, and my command's your law: Sedition grows from seeds of discontent, And faction always snarls at government: But since my throne from God alone I hold, To Him alone my councils I unfold; My resolutions he has made your laws, You are to know my actions, He the cause! {169} Wherefore I stoop, to let you understand, I double all the taxes of the land. And if your discontents and feuds remain, Petition--and I'll double them again!