Præamble

That the word “magnates” beares the meaning of “commoners,” as well as lords, is expounded by a parlement itſelfe, in the præamble to the ſtatute Staple; wherin is ſaid. “Wheras good deliberation had with the prelats, dukes, earles, barons, and great men of the counties; that is to ſay, of every countey one, for all the countey, &c.ᵃ” So that the word “magnates” here is expreſſely uſed for “commoners, knights of ſhires;” and may therfore beare the like conſtruction in other times, and places. So in a plea rolle, in the tower, a law is mentioned made by the king, biſhops, earles, “barons, and other great men,” and the king’s councell; where magnates are reckoned beſides, and after, baronsᵇ.

The conquerour, to winne the fauour of the people, did yeeld to them to be gouerned by St. Edward’s laws. And yet, that hee might the better ouer-rule, he followed the courſe of the French and Norman gouernment. That was, in appointing ſtately offices to high and noble perſonages, knowing this to be a cheife poynt in gouernment, to haue authority regarded : as it is ſet downe in the præamble of the ſayd Black booke.