opinion. He was supported by
many members, particularly by the bold and vehement Wharton, by Sawyer,
whose steady opposition to the dispensing power had, in some measure,
atoned for old offences, by Maynard, whose voice, though so feeble with
age that it could not be heard on distant benches, still commanded the
respect of all parties, and by Somers, whose luminous eloquence and
varied stores of knowledge were on that day exhibited, for the first
time, within the walls of Parliament. The unblushing forehead and
voluble tongue of Sir William Williams were found on the same side.
Already he had been deeply concerned in the excesses both of the worst
of oppositions and of the worst of governments. He had persecuted
innocent Papists and innocent Protestants. He had been the patron of
Oates and the tool of Petre. His name was associated with seditious
violence which was remembered with regret and shame by all respectable
Whigs, and with freaks of despotism abhorred by all respectable Tories.
How men live under such infamy it is not easy to understand: but even
such infamy was not enough for Williams. He was not ashamed to attack
the fallen master to whom he had hired himself out for work which no
honest man in the Inns of Court would undertake, and from whom he had,
within six months, accepted a baronetcy as the reward of servility.

Only three members ventured to oppose themselves to what was evidently
the general sense of the assembly. Sir Christopher Musgrave, a Tory
gentleman of great weight and ability, hinted some doubts. Heneage Finch
let fall some expressions which were understood to mean that he wished
a negotiation to be opened with the King. This suggestion was so ill
received that he made haste to explain it away. He protested that he had
been misapprehended. He was convinced that, under such a prince, there
could be no security for religion, liberty, or property. To recall King
James, or to treat with him, would be a fatal course; but many who would
never consent that he should exercise the regal power had conscientious
scruples about depriving him of the royal title. There was one expedient
which would remove all difficulties, a Regency. This proposition found
so little favour that Finch did not venture to demand a division.
Richard Fanshaw, Viscount Fanshaw of the kingdom of Ireland, said a
few words in behalf of James, and recommended an adjournment: but the
recommendation was met by a general outcry. Member