§ The Lords Commissioners being seated in front of the Throne, and the Commons being sent for—
* MR. SPEAKER ELECTMy Lords, I have to acquaint your Lordships that, in obedience to Her Majesty's commands, Her Majesty's faithful Commons have, in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their choice has fallen upon myself. I therefore present myself at your Lordships' bar, and humbly submit myself for Her Majesty's gracious approbation.
THE LORD CHANCELLORMr. Gully, we are commanded to assure you that Her Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal in the public service and of your ample sufficiency to execute the arduous duties which her faithful Commons have selected you to discharge, that she does most readily approve and confirm you as their Speaker.
MR. SPEAKERI submit myself with all humility to Her Majesty's gracious commands; and now, my Lords, it is my duty, in the name and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom, to lay claim, by humble petition to Her Majesty, to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges, especially to freedom of speech in debate, freedom from arrest, and free access to Her Majesty whenever occasion may require, and that the most favourable construction may be put upon all their proceedings. As to myself, I humbly pray that if, in the discharge of my duty, I should inadvertently fall into any error, the blame may be imputed to myself alone, and not to Her Majesty's most faithful Commons.
THE LORD CHANCELLORMr. Speaker, we have it further in command to inform you that Her Majesty does most readily confirm all the rights and privileges which have ever been granted to or conferred upon the Commons by any of Her Royal predecessors. With 14 respect to yourself, Sir, though Her Majesty is sensible that you stand in no need of such assurance, Her Majesty will ever place the most favourable construction upon your words and actions.