THE KINGS LETTER TO THE LORDS: Sent by the PRINCE.  
On the behalf of the earl of STRAFFORDS.  
AND The LORDS Answer to His majesty.  
With the earl of Straffords Letter to His majesty, 4. May.  
Together With his Speech upon the Scaffold, and the Manner of his Execution.  
¶ Printed Anno Dom. 1641.   

The Kings Letter to the Lords, sent by the Prince on the behalf of the earl of Strafford.  
My Lords,  
I Did yesterday satisfy the justice of the kingdom by passing the Bill of attainder upon the earl of Strafford, But mercy being as inherent and inseparable to a King( as justice) I desire at this time in some measure, to show that likewise, by suffering that misfortunate Man to fulfil the natural course of his life in a close imprisonment, yet so that if ever he make the least offer to escape, or offer directly or indirectly to meddle in any sort of public business, especially with me, either by Message or Letter, it shall cost him his life without further process. This( if it may be done without the discontentment of my people) will be an unspeakable contentment to me: To which end( as in the first place) I( by this Letter) do earnestly desire your approbation, And to( endear it the more) have chosen him to carry it, that of all the house is most dear to me. So I desire by a Conference you will endeavour to give the house of Commons contentment: likewise assuring you that the exercising of mercy is not more pleasing to me than to see both houses of Parliament consent for my sake, that I should moderate the severity of the Law in so important a Case.  
I will not say that your complying with me( in this my intended mercy) shall make me more willing, but( certainly) it will make me more cheerful in granting your just grievances, but if no less than his life can satisfy my people, I must say Fiat justitia. Thus again earnestly recommending the Consideration of my intentions to you, I rest  
Whitehall 11. of May. 1641. Your unalterable affectionate friend. Charles Rex.  
If he must die, it were charity to reprieve him till Saturday.   

The Answer of the Letter the 11. of May.  
THis Letter( all written with the Kings own hand) we the peers, this day received in Parliament, delivered by the hand of the Prince, It was twice red in the House, and after serious and sad consideration they resolved presently to sand twelve of the peers, messengers to the King, humbly to signify that neither of the two intentions expressed in the Letter could with duty by us, or without danger to himself, his dearest Consort the queen, and all the young Princes their Children possibly be advised with: This being accomplished; and more expression offered, his majesty suffered no more words to come from us, but out of the fullness of his heart to the observance of Iustice, and for the contentment of his People,  told us that what he intended by his Letter, was with an If: If it may be done without discontentment to his People, if that cannot bee, I say the same again, that I wrote Fiat Iustitia: My other intention proceeding out of charity for a few dayes respite, was upon a certain Information, that his estate was so distracted, that it necessary required some few dayes for settlement thereof.  
whereunto the Lords answered, their purpose was to be suitors to his majesty for favour to be shown to his innocent Children; and if himself had made any Provision for them, that it might hold.  
This was liking to his majesty, who thereupon partend from the Lords. At his Majesties parting we offered up into his hands the Letter itself which he had sent, but he pleased to say, My Lords, what I have written to you, I shal be content, shalbe registered by you in your House, in it you see my mind: I hope you will use it to my Honour.  
This, upon return of the Lords from the King, was presently reported by the Lord privy seal to the House, And ordered, that these Lines should go out with the Kings Letter: if any copy of the Letter were desired.