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use that way of defence; but, as it hath been your patience to hear me make them, soe I shall esteeme it my honour and advantage to bee putt to prove them, even to a title.
Having spoken to my accusation, I should say something to my accuser; but flesh and bloud being too prone to recrimination, especially when there is much matter for itt, I shall forbeare; besides, Sir, it is not necessary I should describe him, for if a man hold up his hand, or any other object, between the sun and a white smooth wall, without any art or industry, the shape and proportion of hand or object will appeare uppon the wall, though blacke and deformed. Soe, Sir, I presume that when this person is placed betweene the light and the unprejudiced smoothness of this House, his shape and dimensions will appeare in like manner.
Mr. Speaker, there is more of malice and crooked designe in this business then every man is aware of, and truly I beleive more then this gentleman is capable to conceive himselfe, therefore I desire you to have a care of me, both as a man and as a member of this House, at least for a while, untill you know me and my business further. My employments have made me many enemyes, nor have I had the opportunity to make scarce any friends. The adventurers for lands in Ireland have, with much artifice, been wrought into an opinion that I am their enemy, which I am not. I have, Sir, been industriouse to serve them, and the settlement of the nation in their affaire, ffor which the better part of them give me thanks; I have offended the imaginations of some jealouse persons, in order to doe common justice and right unto all: let them not offend me but upon like grounds.
I have, Sir, been so weary of the calumnies I lye under, that I have often endeavoured to bring my selfe to a tryall, and I was to have been tryed and heard within three or four dayes after I received your summons; but my adversaryes have done more for me then I was able to doe for my selfe, they have brought me to the best tryall, to the highest and noblest judicature: I say, they have brought me to this fountaine of justice, and I willingly throw my selfe into it, to bee washt from all that is foule and superfluouse about me.
As for the manner of my tryall and vindication, I committ it to the wisedome and justice of this House. Nor am I sollicitouse about the event of it. I have been in towne this four dayes without having spoken to any member concerning the meritt of my cause. I have advised with noe lawyer, allthough I have
