§ The Lords Commissioners having taken their seat on the wool-sack, the deputy usher of the Black Rod was sent to the House of Commons to desire their attendance. Shortly after,
The Speaker,followed by a considerable number of members, presented himself at their lordships' bar. The right hon. gentleman then said, that he was commanded by his Majesty's faithful Commons, to inform their lordships that in obedience to his Majesty's commands, they had in the exercise of their ancient and undoubted privilege proceeded to elect a Speaker, and their choice had fallen upon him. For his own part, he could only say, that he was fully aware of the great importance of the situation to which he had been appointed, and was also aware of his many imperfections. If, however, his Majesty should be pleased to disapprove of the choice made by his most faithful Commons, there would be little difficulty in selecting some other person more competent than he was, to fill so arduous and dignified a situation.
The Lord Chancellor,in reply to this address, said, that his Majesty was fully 8 sensible of Mr. Speaker's zeal, as also of his ability to fill the high office to which he had been elected. His zeal and ability had been, tried and proved in three successive parliaments, and his Majesty fully and readily confirmed the choice made by his faithful Commons.
The Speakerthen said;—My lords, with all gratitude and respect, I submit to his Majesty's royal pleasure. It therefore becomes my duty, in the name of the Commons of the united kingdom, to claim, by humble petition, all the ancient rights and privileges granted to that branch of the constitution, more especially, freedom of arrest for themselves and their servants; freedom in debate; and freedom of access to his Majesty, on all requisite occasions; and also, that a favourable interpretation may be given to all their proceedings. If any involuntary error should occur on their part, I hope that to me, and not to his majesty's faithful Commons, the blame may be imputed.
The Lord Chancellor.—I am commanded by his Majesty to declare his readiness to confirm to his faithful Commons all the rights and privileges that have ever been granted to the Commons by any of his Majesty's royal predecessors; and I am also commanded to inform you, that his Majesty will at all times put the most favourable construction on all the words and actions of his faithful Commons.
§ The Speaker and the other members of the House of Commons then bowed, and retired.