The understanding, by vote of the House, was that his Highness must accept the whole, and that otherwise no part would be binding.
Cromwell's answer, in language very calm and somewhat sad (_Speech_ VII.), was one of thanks, with a request for time to consider.

On the 3rd of April, a Committee of the House, appointed by his request, waited on him for farther answer.

It was still one of thanks: e.g.

"I should be very brutish did I not acknowledge the exceeding high honour and respect you have had for me in this Paper"; but it was in effect a refusal, on the ground that, being shut up to accept all or none, he could not see his way to accept (_Speech_ VIII.).

Notwithstanding this answer, which could hardly be construed as final, the House next day resolved, after two divisions, to adhere to their _Petition and Advice_, and to make new application to the Protector.