They granted, however, the hereditary excise for that term, but the customs for four years only.
They considered this short term as the best security the kingdom could have for frequent parliaments; though this precaution was not at all agreeable to their sovereign.

A poll-bill was likewise passed, other supplies were granted, and both parties seemed to court his majesty by advancing money on those funds of credit.

The whigs, however, had another battery in reserve.

They produced, in the upper house, a bill for recognising their majesties as the rightful and lawful sovereign of these realms, and for declaring all the acts of the last parliament to be good and valid.

The tories were now reduced to a very perplexed situation.