But the majesty of Parliament would brook no further trifling, and on the Monday morning (April 9th), after breakfast, when “Sir Francis was employed in hearing his son (who had just come from Eton school) read and translate Magna Charta,” a man’s head was observed looking in at the window, the same man advertising his advent by smashing a pane or two of glass. Great credit was taken that no one threw this man off his ladder, but, probably, the sight of the troops in front of the house, acted as a deterrent. The civil authorities, however, had effected an entrance by the basement, and entered the drawing-room, where a pretty little farce was acted. “The _Serjeant-at-Arms_ said: ‘Sir Francis, you are my prisoner.’ “_Sir Francis._ By what authority do you act, Mr. Serjeant? By what power, sir, have you broken into my house, in violation of the laws of the land? “_Serjeant._ Sir Francis, I am authorized by the warrant of the Speaker of the House of Commons. “_Sir Francis._ I contest the authority of such a warrant. Exhibit to me the legal warrant by which you have dared to violate my house. Where is the Sheriff? Where is the Magistrate? “At this time there was no magistrate, but he soon afterwards appeared. “_Serjeant._ Sir Francis, my authority is in my hand: I will read it to you: it is the warrant of the Right Honourable the Speaker of the House of Commons. “And here Mr. Colman attempted to read the warrant, but which he did with great trepidation. “_Sir Francis._ I repeat to you, that it is no sufficient warrant. No—not to arrest my person in the open street, much less to break open my house in violation of all law. If you have a warrant from His Majesty, or from a proper officer of the King, I will pay instant obedience to it; but I will not yield to an illegal order. “_Serjeant._ Sir Francis, I demand you to yield in the name of the Commons House of Parliament, and I trust you will not compel me to use force. I entreat you to believe that I wish to show you every respect. “_Sir Francis._ I tell you distinctly that I will not voluntarily submit to an unlawful order; and I demand, in the King’s name, and in the name of the law, that you forthwith retire from my house. “_Serjeant._ Then, sir, I must call in assistance, and force you to yield. “Upon which the constables laid hold of Sir Francis. Mr. Jones Burdett and Mr. O’Connor immediately stepped up, and each took him under an arm. The constables closed in on all three, and drew them downstairs. “_Sir Francis_ then said: ‘I protest in the King’s name against this violation of my person and my house. It is superior force only that hurries me out of it, and you do it at your peril.’”