The Difference between an Absolute and a Limited Monarchy

thanks in the many quarters where that tribute is due.I have to thank the Delegates of the Clarendon Press forthe generous confidence with which they accepted the workof an untried hand, and for the liberality with which theypermitted an extension of its scope much beyond what wasoriginally contemplated. To the Lord Bishop of Chester Iam under special obligations ; who not only encouragedme to undertake the work, but both as a Delegate of thePress and in his private capacity heIped it forward at a greatexpenditure of trouble to himself; to his published writingsI, in common with all students of history, owe a debt ofgratitude which can never be adequately expressed. To theRev. C. W. Boase, Fellow of Exeter College, I am indebtedfor constant encouragement and assistance ; nor am I the firstwho has profited by his wealth of historical learning ; whileProfessor Skeat gave me much kind help and advice withreference to points of philology. Mr. Edward Edwards.the well-known and accomplished author of the Life ofRalegh, took more trouble than I like to think of, in theendeavour to clear up some points in which I was interested.That his researches were not always crowned with successdoes not diminish my sense of gratitude. The help whichI have received in regard to special points is acknowledgedin the book itself. I am indebted to Lord Calthorpe forthe facilities which he afforded me in consulting the YelvertonMS., to Mr. Henry Rradshaw for similar favours inregard to the Cambridge MS., and to the Master andFellows of Trinity College, Cambridge, for the loan of theirMS. containing the Epitome; while to the Provost andFellows of Queen's College, Oxford, my thanks are due forallowing me even a larger use of their valuable library thanthat which they so liberally accord to all Graduates. Ihave to thank Mr. W. D. Selby, who directed my researchesat the Record Office ; and Mr. E. J. L. Scott, of the Departmentof MSS., who did me the like service at the Britishg%eface,Museum. At the Bodleian I received constant help fromMr. Madan the Sub-Librarian, while Mr. Macray was anunfailing oracle on all points of palaography. I shouldlike also to thank generally the officials of all the threeinstitutions which I have named, for their unfailing courtesy,and helpfulness. To the many friends who havehelped me, if indirectly, yet very really by their sympathyand the interest they have taken in my work, I would alsohere return my grateful thanks. To one of them this workwould probably have been dedicated, were it not thatdedications are said to be somewhat out of date in thisenlightened age.C. C. C., OXON.,]U& 29, 1885.xiii