"I would know by what power I am called hither, by what authority — I mean lawful authority. There are many unlawful authorities in the world, thieves and robbers by the highway. But I would know by what authority, I mean lawful, I am seated here, and I would know it. Remember I am your King, your lawful King, and what sins you bring upon your heads, and the judgement of God upon this land; think well upon it, I say, think well upon it, before you go further from one sin to a greater. I have a trust committed to me by God, by old and lawful descent; I will not betray it to answer a new unlawful authority."

King Charles I, speech during his trial before the High Court of Justice, Westminster Hall, January 1649. Charles I was tried for treason against his own people. He refused to enter a plea throughout the trial, denying the court's authority to try him. He was executed on 30 January 1649.