his father reviled. The House
was forced to interfere, and to make both the disputants promise that
the matter should go no further. On this day a hundred and twenty-eight
peers were present. The second reading was carried by seventy-three to
fifty-five; and forty-nine of the fifty-five protested. [769]

It was now thought by many that Fenwick's courage would give way. It
was known that he was very unwilling to die. Hitherto he might have
flattered himself with hopes that the bill would miscarry. But now that
it had passed one House, and seemed certain to pass the other, it was
probable that he would save himself by disclosing all that he knew. He
was again put to the bar and interrogated. He refused to answer, on the
ground that his answers might be used against him by the Crown at the
Old Bailey. He was assured that the House would protect him; but he
pretended that this assurance was not sufficient; the House was not
always sitting; he might be brought to trial during a recess, and hanged
before their Lordships met again. The royal word alone, he said, would
be a complete guarantee. The Peers ordered him to be removed, and
immediately resolved that Wharton should go to Kensington, and should
entreat His Majesty to give the pledge which the prisoner required.
Wharton hastened to Kensington, and hastened back with a gracious
answer. Fenwick was again placed at the bar. The royal word, he was
told, had been passed that nothing which he might say there should be
used against him in any other place. Still he made difficulties. He
might confess all that he knew, and yet might be told that he was still
keeping something back. In short, he would say nothing till he had a
pardon. He was then, for the last time, solemnly cautioned from the
Woolsack. He was assured that, if he would deal ingenuously with the
Lords, they would be intercessors for him at the foot of the throne,
and that their intercession would not be unsuccessful. If he continued
obstinate, they would proceed with the bill. A short interval was
allowed him for consideration; and he was then required to give his
final answer. "I have given it," he said; "I have no security. If I had,
I should be glad to satisfy the House." He was then carried back to his
cell; and the Peers separated, having sate far into the night. [770]

At noon they met again. The third reading was moved. Tenison spoke for
the bill with more ability than was expected from him, and Monmouth wi