Old allies were separating.

Old enemies were uniting.

Discontent was spreading fast through all the ranks of the party lately dominant.

A hope, still indeed faint and indefinite, of victory and revenge, animated the party which had lately seemed to be extinct.

Amidst such circumstances the eventful and troubled year 1685 terminated, and the year 1686 began.
The prorogation had relieved the King from the gentle remonstrances of the Houses: but he had still to listen to remonstrances, similar in effect, though uttered in a tone even more cautious and subdued.