incident upon which the ballad appears to have been founded, yet
those curious in such matters may consult, if they list,
_Proceedings and Debates in the House of Commons for 1621 and
1622_, where they will find that some stormy debatings in these
several years have been agitated in Parliament regarding the
corn laws, which bear pretty close upon the leading features of
the above."

Edward F. Rimbault.

_Execution of Charles I._ (Vol. ii., p. 72.).--P.S.W.E. is referred to
_An exact and most impartial Accompt of the Indictment, Arraignment,
Trial, and Judgment (according to law), of twenty-nine Regicides, &c._,
1660.

Therein he will find minutes of the trial and _conviction_ of one
"William Hulett, alias Howlett," on the charge of having struck "the
fatal blow." How far the verdict was consistent with the evidence (or,
indeed, the whole proceedings of that court with the modern sense of
justice), abler judges than I have long since determined.

On behalf of the prisoner Hulett, witnesses ("not to be admitted upon
oath against the king") deposed that the common hangman, Richard
Brandon, had frequently confessed (though he had also denied) that _he_
had beheaded the king. One of these depositions, that of William Cox, is
so remarkable that I am induced to transcribe it. If it be true,
"Matfelonensis" is certainly justified in saying, "We need hardly
question that Richard Brandon was the executioner."

"_William Cox_ examined.