"Through me and my partner, all whose actions will bear the strictest scrutiny, he would covertly attack that high and honourable Court, whose dignity we have ever been most zealous to maintain; and his motive for doing so is because he has incurred its censure.

When I have heard his precise charges, I will reply to them--ay, one by one--if he will bring forward the multitude of cases he affirms he can produce against me.

But meanwhile I can fearlessly declare my innocence of the wrong imputed to me.

If I have been to blame in those monopolies, I am not the only one in fault, as time will show.
Nay, there are greater culprits than I"-- looking hard at Buckingham, who regarded him disdainfully--"but I deny that I have done more than I can fully justify.

As regards other matters, and the way in which my wealth has been acquired, I have acted only with caution, prudence, and foresight.