And upon the whole, it appeared to many cruel, and even iniquitous, to remark too rigorously the failings of a prince who discovered so much facility in correcting his errors, and so much lenity in pardoning the offences committed against himself.
The general affection borne the king appeared signally about this time.

He fell sick at Windsor; and had two or three fits of a fever, so violent as made his life be thought in danger.

A general consternation seized all ranks of men increased by the apprehensions entertained of his successor In the present disposition of men's minds, the king's death, to use an expression of Sir William Temple,[****] was regarded as the end of the world.

The malecontents, it was feared, would proceed to extremities, and immediately kindle a civil war in the kingdom.
* Temple, vol.i.p.

335.
** Temple, vol.i p.