Lives of the last four princesses of the royal house of Stuart

1643.] HER APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS. 163
You promised me that you would have a care of me, and
I hope you will show it in preventing so great a grief, as
this would be to me. I pray, my lords, consider of it, and
give me cause to thank you, and to rest
" Your loving Friend,
" Elizabeth.
" To the right honourable the lords
and peers in Parliament"
The young Princess, with truly royal courage and dignity,
put this note into the hand of the Earl of Pembroke, and
requested him to present it to the House of Lords. This
he did without delay, though possibly surprised, at such a
commission from a little maiden not yet nine years of age.
Their lordships read the letter of the young Princess,
with surprise and sympathy, sent it to the Commons, and
inquired if the statement of the Princess were true. The
Commons urged, in excuse for their proceedings, "that
they had been informed there was a design on foot for
removing the King's children to Oxford.*" The Lords
took up a high hand, and voted " that it was a breach
of their privilege for the servants of the King's children, to
be displaced, without their approval," and prevented the
harsh proceedings of the Commons. They appointed a
committee, from themselves, to visit \ St. James's palace,
and inquire what would be necessary.
The Commons, were much offended at this check of
their arbitrary proceedings from the Lords, who, regard-
less of their displeasure, proceeded to settle the household
of the royal brother and sister. That of the young Prin-
cess, consisted of the Countess of Dorset, as lady governess,
Lady Southcote, as lady of the bedchamber, two cofferesses,
* Whitcloclcs 'Memorials.'
t ' Journals of the House of Lords.'
M 2