Some hope was still entertained that the King might be moved by the remonstrance which had been addressed to him.

The assembly therefore adjourned till the fifteenth, which was the last day on which, by the constitution of the college, the election could take place.
The fifteenth of April came.

Again the Fellows repaired to their chapel.
No answer had arrived from Whitehall.

Two or three of the Seniors, among whom was Smith, were inclined to postpone the election once more rather than take a step which might give offence to the King.

But the language of the statutes was clear.