HIS majesty's SPEECH  
At Shrewsbury, on Michaelmas Eve last, to the Gentry and Commons of the County of Salop, there Assembled. Octob: 6 1642  
Gentlemen,  
IT, is some benefit to me from the insolences, and misfortunes which have driven me about, that they have brought me to so good a part of my kingdom, and to so faithful a part of my people; I hope neither you nor I shall repent my coming hither, I will do my part that you may not: And of you, I was confident before I came; the residence of an Army is not usually pleasant to any place, and mine may carry more fear with it, since it may be thought (being Robbed and spoiled of all my own, and such terror used to fright and keep all men from supplying me) I must only live upon the aid and relief of my people; but be not afraid, I would to God my poor Subjects suffered no more by the Insolence & violence of that Army raised against me (though they have made themselves wanton even with plenty) than you shall do by mine, and yet I fear I cannot prevent all disorders; I will do my best; and this I'll promise you, no man shall be a loser by me if I can help it; I have sent hither for a Mint, and will melt down all my own Plate, and expose my Land to sale or mortgage, that if it be possible I may bring the least pressure upon you. In the mean time I have Summoned you hither to invite you to do that for me and yourselves, for the maintenance of your Religion, the law of the Land (by which you enjoy all that you have) which other men do against us: do not suffer so good a cause to be lost for want of supplying me with that, which will be taken from you by those who pursue me with this violence, and whilst these ill men sacrifice their Money, Plate, and utmost industry to destroy the commonwealth, be you no less liberal to preserve it. And assure yourselves if it please God to bless me with success, I shall remember the particular assistance every man here gives me, to his advantage; However, it will hereafter (how furiously the minds of men are now possessed) be honour and comfort to you, that with some charge and trouble to yourselves, you did your part to support your King, and preserve the kingdom.  
I desire M. sheriff, and the rest of the Gentlemen, to distribute themselves in that Method, that they may best receive the expressions which you shall make of your best affections, the which I will have particularly presented to me.   

London Printed for H.S. 1642.