46 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. a learned and an aged bencher of Gray's-inn, to sign his answer ; but the court, instead of receiving it, even when signed, ordered the two chief justices to expunge what they i deemed unfit to be brought nto the court. Accordingly, they struck out the whole answer, consisting of forty sheets of paper, except a few lines at the beginning, and a few more at the end : and because Mr. Burton would not acknowledge it thus purged, he was, in like manner, pro- ceeded against pro confesso.. The three prisoners were brought to the bar June 14, 1637, when they offered to defend their several answers at the peril of their lives; but the court, finding them not filed on record, would not receive them. The prisoners at the bar cried aloud for justice, and that their answers might be read ; but, however reasonable their request, it was peremp- torily denied. During the trial, Prynne and Bastvvick having been examined, the learned judges came next to the case of Mr. Burton, which was as follows : Lord Keeper. Mr. Burton, what say you ? Burton. My good lords, your honours, it should seem, do determine to censure us, and take our cause pro confess°, although we have laboured to give your honours satisfaction in all things. My lords, what have you to say against my book ? I confess, I did write it; yet did I not say any thing out of intent of commotion or sedition. I delivered nothing but what my text led me to, being chosen to suit with the day, namely, the fifth of November. L. Keeper. Mr. Burton, I pray stand not naming texts of scripture now : we do not send for you to preach, but to answer to those things which are objected against you. Burton. My lord, I have drawn up my answer, to my great pains and charges ; which answer was signed with my counsel's hand, and received into the court according to the rule and order thereof. And I did not think to have been called this day to a censure, but to have had a legal proceed ing by way of bill and answer. L. Keeper. Your answer was impertinent. Burton. My answer, after it was entered in the court, was referred, to the judges, but by what means I do not know; and what cause your lordships had to cast it out, I know not. But after it was approved of and received, it was cast out as an impertinent answer. Lord Finch. The judges did you, a good turn, to' make it Prynne's Prelates' Tyranny, p. 14-18, 40-43.
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