[348] It was evident that a considerable time must elapse before judgment could be given in so great a number of important cases.

Tyranny could ill brook this delay.
Nothing was omitted which could terrify the refractory boroughs into submission.

At Buckingham some of the municipal officers had spoken of Jeffreys in language which was not laudatory.

They were prosecuted, and were given to understand that no mercy should be shown to them unless they would ransom themselves by surrendering their charter.

[349] At Winchester still more violent measures were adopted.