KING--I say, Sir, by your favour, that the Commons of England was never a Court of Judicature: I would know how they came to be so. LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, you are not to be permitted to go on in that Speech and these discourses. Then the clerk of the Court read as followeth:-- 'Charles Stuart, king of England, You have been accused on behalf of the People of England of High Treasons, and other high Crimes; the Court have determined that you ought to answer the same.' KING--I will answer the same so soon as I know by what Authority you do this. LORD PRESIDENT--If this be all that you will say, then Gentlemen, you that brought the Prisoner hither, take charge of him back again. KING--I do require that I may give in my Reasons why I do not answer, and give me time for that. LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, it is not for Prisoners to require. KING--Prisoners! Sir, I am not an ordinary prisoner. LORD PRESIDENT--The Court hath considered of their jurisdiction, and they have already affirmed their jurisdiction; if you will not answer, we shall give order to record your default. KING--You never heard my Reasons yet. LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, your Reasons are not to be heard against the highest jurisdiction. KING--Shew me that Jurisdiction where reason is not to be heard. LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, we shew it you here. The Commons of England; and the next time you are brought, you will know more of the pleasure of the Court; and, it may be, their final determination. KING--Shew me where ever the House of Commons was a Court of Judicature of that kind. LORD PRESIDENT--Serjeant, take away the Prisoner. KING--Well, Sir, remember that the king is not suffered to give in his Reasons for the Liberty and Freedom of all his Subjects. LORD PRESIDENT--Sir, you are not to have Liberty to use this language; How great a friend you have been to the Laws and Liberties of the people, let all England and the world judge. KING--Sir, under favour, it was the Liberty, Freedom, and Laws of the subject, that ever I took--defended myself with arms; I never took up arms against the people, but for the laws. LORD PRESIDENT--The command of the Court must be obeyed; no Answer will be given to the Charge. KING--Well, Sir! And so he was guarded forth to sir Robert Cotton's house. Then the Court adjourned to the Painted Chamber on Tuesday at 12 o'clock, and from thence they intend to adjourn to Westminster Hall; at which time all persons concerned are to give their attendance. At the High Court of Justice sitting in Westminster Hall, Tuesday, January 23, 1649. O Yes made, Silence commanded, the Court called, 73 persons present. The King comes in with his guard, looks with an austere countenance upon the Court, and sits down. The second O Yes made, and Silence commanded.