Hampton Court the 11 of Novemb. 1647.

LIberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now, is the common Theame, and desire of all men. Common reason shewes that Kings lesse then any [Page 2] should indure captivity, and yet I call God and the world to witnesse, with what pati­ence I have indured a tedious restraint, which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my sufferings might conduce to the Peace of my Kingdome, or the hindering of more effusion of blood; I did willingly undergoe: But now finding by too certaine proofes, that this my continued patience would not onely turne to my personall ruine, but likewise be of much more prejudice than furtherance to the publique good:

I thought I was bound, as well by naturall as politicall obligations to seek my safety; by retiring my selfe for some time from the publique view, both of my friends and ene­mies. And I appeale to all indifferent men, to judge if I have not just cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition; and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility, by taking away their negative voice, and with whom the levellers doctrine is rather countenanced then punished.

And as for their intentions to my person, their changing and putting more strict guards upon me, with the dischaging most of all those servants of mine, who formerly they willingly admitted to wait upon me, doth sufficiently declare: Nor would I have this my retirement mis-interpreted, for I shall earnestly and incessantly endeavour the set­ling of a safe and well-grounded peace, where ever I am, or shall be; And that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian blood, for which how many times have I desired, prest to be heard, and yet no eare given to me.

And can any reasonable men think that (according to the ordinary course of affaires) there can be a settled peace without it; or that God will blesse those who refuse to heare their owne King, surely not?

Nay I must further adde, That (be­sides what concerns my selfe) unlesse all other cheife interests have not on­ly [Page 4] an hearing, but likewise just satis­faction given unto them, (to wit the Presbyterians, Independents, Army, those who have adhered to me, even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of miracles, it being of my opinion, a sinful presumption, in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe or lasting peace

Now as I cannot deny but that my personall security is the urgent cause of this my retirement, so I take God to witnesse that the publique peace is no lesse before mine eyes; And I can find no better way to expresse this my pro­fession (I know not what a wiser man may doe) then by desiring and urg­ing, that all cheife interests may be heard, to the end each may have just satisfaction, As for example; The Army: for the rest (though necessary [Page 5] yet I suppose are not difficult to con­tent) ought (in my judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their Consciences have an Act of Oblivion, or In­dempnity (which should extend to all the rest of my Subjects) And that al their arreares should be speedily and duly paid, which I will undertake to doe, so I may be heard, And that I be not hindered from using such lawfull and honest meanes, as I shall choose.

To conclude, let me be heard with freedome, honour, and safety, and I shall (instantly) breake through this cloud of retirement, and shew my selfe really to be Pater Patriae.

For the Speaker of the Lords, pro tempore, to be communicated to the [Page 6] Lords and Commons in the Parlia­ment of England at VVestminster, and the Commissioners of the Parlia­ment of Scotland: And to all my other Subjects of what degree or cal­ling whatsoever.