The general impatience for the arrival of the Dutch became every day stronger.

The gales which at this time blew obstinately from the west, and which at once prevented the Prince's armament from sailing and brought fresh Irish regiments from Dublin to Chester, were bitterly cursed and reviled by the common people.

The weather, it was said, was Popish.

Crowds stood in Cheapside gazing intently at the weathercock on the graceful steeple of Bow Church, and praying for a Protestant wind.

[491] The general feeling was strengthened by an event which, though merely accidental, was not unnaturally ascribed to the perfidy of the King.