JAMES THE SECOND.

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and arduous as that on which James was hent, had a right to chap.expect from his first minister, not unwilling and ungracious —7^7acquiescence, but zealous and strenuous cooperation. Whilesuch advice was daily given to James by those in whom hereposed confidence, he received, by the penny post, manyanonymous letters filled with calumnies against the LordTreasurer. This mode of attack had been contrived by Tyr-connel, and was in perfect harmony with every part of his in-famous life.*

The King hesitated. He seems, indeed, to have reallyregarded his brother-in-law with personal kindness, the effectof near affinity, of long and familiar intercourse, and of manymutual good offices. It seemed probable that, as long asRochester continued to submit himself, though tardily andwith murmurs, to the royal pleasure, he would continue to bein name prime minister. Sunderland, therefore, with ex-quisite cunning, suggested to his master the propriety ofasking the only proof of obedience which it was quite certainthatRochester never would give. At present, — such was thelanguage of the artful Secretary, — it was impossible to consultwith the first of the King’s servants respecting the objectnearest to the King’s heart. It was lamentable to think thatreligious prejudices should, at such a conjuncture, deprivethe government of such valuable assistance. Perhaps thoseprejudices might not prove insurmountable. Then the de-ceiver whispered that, to his knowledge, Rochester had oflate had some misgivings about the points in dispute betweenthe Protestants and Catholics.** This was enough. The King Attemptseagerly caught at the hint. He began to flatter himself that to con-he might at once escape from the disagreeable necessity of Chester.”removing a friend, and secure an able coadjutor for the greatwork which was in progress. He was also elated by the hope

* Sheridan MS.

** Clarke's Life of James ihe Second, ii. 100.