But let her Majesty pay them well, and appoint such a man as Sir William Pelham to govern them, and she never wan more honour than these men here will do, I am persuaded." That the Earl was warmly urged by all most conversant with Netherland politics to assume the government was a fact admitted by all.

That he manifested rather eagerness than reluctance on the subject, and that his only hesitation arose from the proposed restraints upon the power, not from scruples about accepting the power, are facts upon record.

There is nothing save his own assertion to show any backwardness on his part to snatch the coveted prize; and that assertion was flatly denied by Davison, and was indeed refuted by every circumstance in the case.

It is certain that he had concealed from Davison the previous prohibitions of the Queen.

He could anticipate much better than could Davison, therefore, the probable indignation of the Queen.