"Most humbly sheweth
"That your Petitioner hath (according to the duty of his allegiance) in the worst of times with constant and conscientious Loyalty to the frequent hazard of his life and all that is deare to him and with the actual losse and prejudice of his estate, by sequestracion and imprisonment asserted, adhœred unto, and in his place and capacity advanced your Majesties interest and undoubted right to the Crowne, Dignity, Rule, and Government of these your Kingdomes, and given publique testimonies as well since as before your Majesties happy retourne to the same.
"That your Petitioner haveing by rashly publishing some inconsiderate expressions about matters out of his spheare, in his late writings fallen under your Majestie's displeasure Throweth himselfe down at your Royall feete, and most humbly craveth your Majesties leave to professe, hee hath not spoken or written anything of a malicious mind or intent, to obviate or disturbe the peace and settlement of these your kingdomes under your Royall Government. And that hee retaineth towards your Majestie a most Loyall heart and resolucion to acquiesse and submitt unto your Royall pleasure whenever it shalbee signified, published and made knowne.
"The premisses considered, your Petitioner most humbly prayeth That the rayes of your Royall grace, favour and pardon may bee extended to him, and his numerous family to the enlargement of his liberty that they may not sitt alone in sadnes, butt pertake of that generall joy, by which your approaching happy Coronacion shall revive your Majestie's kingdome, whose subjection to, and happy settlement, under your Majestie's most righteous, gracious, long and prosperous Reigne shalbee the study and prayers of
"Your most Loyall subiect,
"ZECHARIAH CROFTON."[183]
Ralph Smith, the printer of this book, was also imprisoned for being concerned in its publication, and he also petitioned the King in the following manner:
"To the Kings most Excellent Majesty.
"The humble petition of Ralph Smyth, stationer,