328.] At this point the Protector interposed.

On the afternoon of the same day on which Hasilrig had taken his seat (Jan.

25) the Commons were summoned to the Banqueting House in Whitehall, to listen to another speech from his Highness (Speech XVII.), addressed to them and the Other House together.

It opened with the phrase "_My Lords and Gentlemen of thee Two Houses of Parliament_," to obviate any objections there might be to the form of opening in the speech of five days before; and it was conceived in the same spirit of respectfulness to both Houses and anxiety for their support.

But it expounded, more strongly and at more length than the former speech, the pressing reasons for unanimity now.