But as all the measures of government were now changed, it must be confessed that, if the king made a just application of public money, this inaccurate method of proceeding, by exposing him to suspicion, was prejudicial to him.

If he were inclined to act otherwise, it was equally hurtful to the people.

For these reasons, a contrary practice, during all the late reigns, has constantly been followed by the commons.
{1670.} When the parliament met after the prorogation, they entered anew upon the business of supply, and granted the king an additional duty, during eight years, of twelve pounds on each tun of Spanish wine imported, eight on each tun of French.

A law also passed, empowering him to sell the fee-farm rents; the last remains of the demesnes, by which the ancient kings of England had been supported.

By this expedient, he obtained some supply for his present necessities, but left the crown, if possible, still more dependent than before.