During this time, the king continued seated, directing his eyes towards his judges, or towards the spectators, without betraying any emotion.  Once he rose; turned his back upon the court to see what was passing behind him, and again sat down with an expression at once of inquisitiveness and indifference in his manner.  Upon hearing the words:  “Charles Stuart, a tyrant, traitor, and murderer,” he laughed, though he still remained silent.

The act being read, “Sir,” said Bradshaw, “you have now heard the act of accusation against you:  the court expects you to reply.”

The King.  “First, I wish to know by what authority I am summoned here.  A short time since, I was in the Isle of Wight engaged in negociations with both houses of parliament, under guarantee of the public faith.  We were upon the point of concluding a treaty.  I would be informed by what authority—­I say legitimate authority—­for of illegitimate authorities there are, I know, many, like that of robbers on the highway;—­I would be informed, I repeat, by what authority I have been dragged from place to place, I know not with what views.  When I am made acquainted with this legitimate authority, I will reply.”

Bradshaw.  “If you had attended to what was addressed to you by the court upon your arrival, you would know in what this authority consisted.  It calls upon you, in the name of the people of England, of whom you were elected king, to make a reply.”

The King.  “No sir, I deny this.”

Bradshaw.  “If you refuse to acknowledge the authority of the court, it will proceed against you.”

The King.  “I maintain that England never was an elective kingdom; for nearly the space of a thousand years it has been altogether an hereditary one.  Let me know, then, by what authority I am summoned here.  Inquire from Colonel Cobbett, who is here at hand, if I were not brought by force from the Isle of Wight.  I will yield to none in maintaining the just privileges of the House of Commons in this place.  But where are the Lords?  I see no Lords here necessary to constitute a parliament.  A king, moreover, is essential to it.  Now is this what is meant by bringing the king to meet his parliament?”

Bradshaw. “Sir, the court awaits a definitive answer from you.  If what we have stated respecting our authority does not satisfy you, it is sufficient for us, we know that it is founded upon the authority of God and of the country.”

The King. “It is neither my opinion nor yours which should decide.”

Bradshaw. “The court has heard you; you will be disposed of according to its orders.  Let the prisoner be removed.  The court adjourns until Monday.”

The court then withdrew; and the king retired under the same escort that had accompanied him.  Upon rising he perceived the sword placed upon the table, “I have no fear of that,” he observed, pointing towards it with his cane.  As he descended the staircase, several voices called out “Justice! justice!” but far the greater number were heard to exclaim, “God save the king!  God save your majesty.”