JAMES THE SECOND.

323

sitions, it should seem, admitted of no dispute. For, though “ap-some of those who were banded together against the King hadacted towards him in a manner which might not unreasonablyexcite his bitter resentment, it was more likely that he wouldsoon be at their mercy than that they would ever be at his.

It would have been childish to open a negotiation with Wil-liam, and yet to denounce vengeance against men whom Wil-liam could not without infamy abandon. But the cloudedunderstanding and implacable temper of James held out longagainst the arguments of those who laboured to convince himthat it would be wise to pardon offences which he could notpunish. “I cannot do it,” he exclaimed. “I must make ex-amples , Churchill above all; Churchill whom I raised so high.

He and he alone has done all this. He has corrupted myarmy. He has corrupted my child. He would have put meinto the hands of the Prince of Orange, but for God’s specialprovidence. My Lords, you are strangely anxious for thesafety of traitors. None of r you troubles himself about mysafety. ” In answer to this burst of impotent anger,those whohad recommended the amnesty represented with profoundrespect, but with firmness, that a prince attacked by powerfulenemies can be safe only by conquering or by conciliating.

“If your Majesty, after all that has happened, has still anyhope of safety in arms, we have done: but if not, you can besafe only by regaining the affections of your people. ” Afterlong and animated debate the King broke up the meeting.“MyLords,” he said, “you have used great freedom: butldo not take it ill of you. I have made up my mind on onepoint. I shall call a Parliament. The other suggestionswhich have been offered are of grave importance; and youwill not be surprised that I take a night to reflect on thembefore I decide. ”*

* Clarke's Life of James, ii. 238. Orig. Mem.; Burnet, i. 794.;Lullrell’s Diary; Clarendon’s Diary, Nov. 27. 168S; Cilters, and

Nov. 3(1.

Dec. 10.

Citlers evidently had his intelligence from one of the Lords whowere present. As the matter is important, I will give two short passagesfrom his despatches. The King said, u Dat het by na voor hem

21 *