These are the words: "Whereas there has been of late a most dangerous and desperate design upon the house of commons, which we have just cause to believe an effect of the bloody counsels of Papists and other ill-affected persons who have already raised a rebellion in the kingdom of Ireland.

And whereas, by reason of many discoveries, we cannot but fear they will proceed, not only to stir up the like rebellions and insurrections in this kingdom of England, but also to back them with forces from abroad," etc.[*] Here Charles first ventured to put a stop to his concessions, and that not by a refusal, but a delay.

When this demand was made,--a demand, which, if granted, the commons justly regarded as the last they should ever have occasion to make,--he was at Dover, attending the queen and the princess of Orange in their embarkation.

He replied, that he had not now leisure to consider a matter of so great importance, and must therefore respite his answer till his return.[**] The parliament instantly despatched another message to him, with solicitations still more importunate.

They expressed their great grief on account of his majesty's answer to their just and necessary petition.