John Trapp on Nehemiah 9:37

Verſe 37. And it yeeldeth much increaſe unto the Kings] As this Land once did unto the King of Locuſts. When it was ſtiled the Popes hortus deliciarum; out of which he could fetch what money, or any thing elſe he pleaſed, ſo long as he could hold a pen in his hand. In the year 720. Ino King of Weſt-Saxons, cauſed in all his Dominion,Act. and Mon. in every houſe having a chimney, a penny to be collected and paid to the Biſhop of Rome, in the name of Saint Peter; and thereof were they called Peter-pence. Theſe continued till Henry the eighth's time: who in his Proteſtation againſt the Pope, ſpeaketh thus; England is no more a babe: there is no man here, but now he knowes that they do fooliſhly, that give gold for lead, more weight of that then they receive of this, &c. Ibid. 990.

Alſo they have dominion] See the Note on verſe 30.

At their pleaſure] Their will was a law; which to argue or debate, was high miſdemeanour; to detrect or diſobey, preſent death.