They were often waiting on the king, and debating some points of the treaty with him until midnight, before they could come to a conclusion.

Upon one of the most material points, they pressed his majesty with their reasons and best arguments they could use to grant what they desired.

The king said he was fully satisfied, and promised to give them his answer in writing according to their desire; but because it was then past midnight, and too late to put it into writing, he would have it drawn up next morning, when he commanded them to wait on him again, and then he would give them his answer in writing as it was now agreed upon.

But next morning the king told them that he had altered his mind; and some of his friends, of whom the commissioners inquired, told them, that after they were gone, and even his council retired, some of his bed-chamber never left pressing and persuading him till they prevailed on him to change his former resolutions." It is difficult, however, to conceive that any negotiation could have succeeded between the king and parliament, while the latter insisted, as they did all along, on a total submission to all their demands; and challenged the whole power, which they professedly intended to employ to the punishment of all the king's friends.] [Footnote 13: NOTE M, p.247.The author is sensible that some blame may be thrown upon him, on account of this last clause in Mr.Hambden's character; as if he were willing to entertain a suspicion of bad intentions where the actions were praiseworthy.

But the author's meaning is directly contrary.