[1] [2] But now, as concerning the cause whie the shi|riffes were called hither,Why the shi|riffes of all shires were sent [...]or to the court. it was chéeflie to vnder|stand what power of men they might assure the king of, to serue him against the lords and barons, whome he tooke to be his enimies: and further, that where he meant to call a parlement verie shortlie, they should so vse the matter, that no knight might be chosen, but such as the king and his councell should name. But answer was made herevnto by the shiriffes, that the lords were so highlie beloued of the com|mons, that it laie not in their powers to assemble any great forces against the lords; and as for choosing the knights of the shires, they said that the com|mons would vndoubtedlie vse their ancient liber|ties, and priuileges, in choosing such as they thought meetest. But yet, after that the indictments were found, according to the desire of the king and his councellors, and that those which had béene called a|bout this matter, were licenced to depart home; the king and the duke of Ireland sent messengers into euerie part of the realme,Soldiers re|teined on all sides by the king against the lords. to reteine men of warre to assist them in the quarell against the lords, if néed were. Manie made answer, that sith they knew the lords to be faithfull and loiall to the king, euen from the bottome of their hearts, and were readie to stu|die, to deuise, and to doo all things that might tend to his honor, and wealth of the realme; they might not by anie meanes beare armour against them. But a great number of other, that tooke it that they were reteined for a good and necessarie purpose, promised to be readie, whensoeuer it should please the king to send for them.