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HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

chap. And now Hough himself craved permission to address af ew words to the Commissioners. They consented with muchprotest of civility > perhaps expecting from the calmness and suavity ofHough, his manner that ho would make some concession. “MyLords,” said he, “you have this day deprived me of my free-hold: I hereby protest against all your proceedings as illegal,unjust, and null; and I appeal from you to our sovereignLord the King in his courts of justice.” A loud murmur ofapplause arose from the gownsmen who filled the hall. TheCommissioners were furious. Search was made for the of-fenders, but in vain. Then the rage of the whole board wasturned against Hough. “Do not think to huff us, Sir,” criedJenner, punning on the President’s name. “I will upholdHis Majesty’s authority,” said Wright, “while I have breathin my body. All this comes of your popular protest. Youhave broken the peace. You shall answer it in the King’sBench. I bind you over in one thousand pounds to appearthere next term. I will see whether the civil power cannotmanage you. If that is not enough, you shall have the mili-tary too.” In truth Oxford was in a state which made theCommissioners not a little uneasy. The soldiers were orderedto have their carbines loaded. It was said that an expresswas sent to London for the purpose of hastening the arrivalof more troops. No disturbance however took place. Thetlm*”*" Bishop of Oxford was quietly installed by proxy: but onlyParker, two members of Magdalene College attended the ceremony.Many signs showed that the spirit of resistance had spread tothe common people. The porter of the college threw downhis keys. The butler refused to scratch Hough’s name outof the buttery book, and was instantly dismissed. No black-smith could be found in the whole city who would force thelock of the President’s lodgings. It was necessary for theCommissioners to employ their own servants, who broke openthe door with iron bars. The sermons which on the followingSunday were preached in the University church were full ofreflections such as stung Cartwright to the quick, thoughsuch as he could not discreetly resent.