Kings are justly called gods for they exercise a manner or resemblance of divine power on earth. God hath power to create or destroy; make or unmake at his pleasure; to give life or to send death; to judge all and to be judged (by) nor accountable to none; to raise low things and to make high things low at his pleasure. And the like power have kings.

—James I in a speech to Parliament, 21 March 1610

 

May it please your majesty, I have neither eyes to see, nor tongue to speak in this place, but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here, and I humbly beg your majesty’s pardon and I cannot give any other answer than this to what your majesty is pleased to demand me.

—The Speaker of the House of Commons, William Lenthall, in answer to King Charles I, who came to Parliament in 1642 demanding the arrest of five members for treason