We are quite willing that, if he is guilty, he shall be punished.

But for him, and for all Englishmen, we demand that punishment shall be regulated by law, and not by the arbitrary discretion of any tribunal.

We demand that, when a writ of error is before Your Lordships, you shall give judgment on it according to the known customs and statutes of the realm.

We deny that you have any right, on such occasions, to take into consideration the moral character of a plaintiff or the political effect of a decision.

It is acknowledged by yourselves that you have, merely because you thought ill of this man, affirmed a judgment which you knew to be illegal.