fagacious prince, Edward of happy memory, our fovereign lord, thi$ realm has incurred feveral riiks of being deftroyed by its own fubjeâs and the commotions of peaftnts. It is alfo perfectly well known in France that we difagree among our-felves, and are torn by faction, which makes them imagine their enterprife cannot fail of fuccefs. The danger is indeed great, for he muft be weak who fears not his enemy. While we remained united, the king with the people, and the people with the king, we werj vi&orious and powerful, and there were none able to do us any eflential injury. It is therefore neceflary, (and never was any thing in England more preffiiig) for us to au. in unity, and reform what may be wrong, if we wim to preferve our honour, as well as for us to inquire into the ftate of our ports, that fuch defence may be made that the kingdom be not any way hurt, nor we accufed of negled by the country. This realm has been long in its flower ; and you know that what is in flower has greater need of attention than if in fruit. We muft therefore aft as if it was in flower ; for, ftnce thefe laft fixty years, thofe knights and fquires who have gone out of it have acquired more renown than any others of what nation foever. Let us exert ourfelves that our honour be preferved untarnifhed as long as we live.* This fpeech of the earl of SaKfbury was at* tentively liftened to ; and the lords faid,. it would be right to follow his advice. I will not longer dwell on what was debated at this.meeting, for J do 44