What, then, was the inevitable inference? Did not the
contrast between the paternal injunctions issued from the throne and the
insupportable tyranny of the soldiers prove that the army was even now
too strong for the prince as well as for the people? The Commons might
surely, with perfect consistency, while they reposed entire confidence
in the intentions of His Majesty, refuse to make any addition to a force
which it was clear that His Majesty could not manage.

The motion that the sum to be granted should not exceed four hundred
thousand pounds, was lost by twelve votes. This victory of the ministers
was little better than a defeat. The leaders of the country party,
nothing disheartened, retreated a little, made another stand, and
proposed the sum of seven hundred thousand pounds. The committee divided
again, and the courtiers were beaten by two hundred and twelve votes to
one hundred and seventy. [24]

On the following day the Commons went in procession to Whitehall with
their address on the subject of the test. The King received them on
his throne. The address was drawn up in respectful and affectionate
language; for the great majority of those who had voted for it were
zealously and even superstitiously loyal, and had readily agreed to
insert some complimentary phrases, and to omit every word which the
courtiers thought offensive. The answer of James was a cold and sullen
reprimand. He declared himself greatly displeased and amazed that the
Commons should have profited so little by the admonition which he had
given them. "But," said he, "however you may proceed on your part, I
will be very steady in all the promises which I have made to you." [25]

The Commons reassembled in their chamber, discontented, yet somewhat
overawed. To most of them the King was still an object of filial
reverence. Three more years filled with injuries, and with insults more
galling than injuries, were scarcely sufficient to dissolve the ties
which bound the Cavalier gentry to the throne.

The Speaker repeated the substance of the King's reply. There was, for
some time, a solemn stillness; then the order of the day was read
in regular course; and the House went into committee on the bill for
remodelling the militia.

In a few hours, however, the spirit of the opposition revived. When,
at the close of the day, the Speaker resumed the chair, Wharton, the
boldest and most active of the Whigs, proposed that a time should be
appointed for