king's associates, and he that hath an associate hath a master; and
therefore, if the king be unbridled, or (which is all one) without
law, they ought to bridle him, unless they will be unbridled as the
king, and then the commons may cry, Lord Jesus, pity us," etc.

An eminent lawyer, time of Edward I., writes:

"Although the king ought to have no equal in the land, yet because
the king and his commissioners can be both judge and party, the
king ought by right to have companions, to hear and determine in
Parliament all writs and plaints of wrongs done by the king, the
queen, or their children."

These views found expression in the coronation oath. Edward II. was
forced to swear:

"Will you grant and keep, and by your oath confirm to the people of
England the laws and customs to them, granted by the ancient kings
of England, your righteous and godly predecessors; and especially
to the clergy and people, by the glorious King St. Edward, your
predecessor?"

The king's answer--"I do them grant and promise."

"Do you grant to hold and keep the laws and rightful customs which
the commonalty of your realm shall have chosen, and to maintain and
enforce them to the honor of God after your power?"

The king's answer--"I this do grant and promise."