[189] Then for a time the prospect seemed to clear; the King was in better humour; and during a few days Clarendon flattered himself that his brother's intercession had prevailed, and that the crisis was passed.

[190] In truth the crisis was only beginning.

While Clarendon was trying to lean on Rochester, Rochester was unable longer to support himself.

As in Ireland the elder brother, though retaining the guard of honour, the sword of state, and the title of Excellency, had really been superseded by the Commander of the Forces, so in England, the younger brother, though holding the white staff, and walking, by virtue of his high office, before the greatest hereditary nobles, was fast sinking into a mere financial clerk.

The Parliament was again prorogued to a distant day, in opposition to the Treasurer's known wishes.