He rose still higher in the public favor, by reason of the universal hatred to which the duke, on account of his religion, was exposed.

Monmouth's capacity was mean; his temper pliant: so that, notwithstanding his great popularity, he had never been dangerous, had he not implicitly resigned himself to the guidance of Shaftesbury, a man of such a restless temper, such subtle wit, and such abandoned principles.

That daring politician had flattered Monmouth with the hopes of succeeding to the crown.

The story of a contract of marriage, passed between the king and Monmouth's mother, and secretly kept in a certain _black box_, had been industriously spread abroad, and was greedily received by the multitude.

As the horrors of Popery still pressed harder on them, they might be induced either to adopt that fiction, as they had already done many others more incredible, or to commit open violation on the right of succession.