His intellect was inexhaustibly fertile of distinctions and objections; his temper calm and unadventurous.

He was ready to oppose the court to the utmost in the House of Lords and by means of anonymous writings: but he was little disposed to exchange his lordly repose for the insecure and agitated life of a conspirator, to be in the power of accomplices, to live in constant dread of warrants and King's messengers, nay, perhaps, to end his days on a scaffold, or to live on alms in some back street of the Hague.

He therefore let fall some words which plainly indicated that he did not wish to be privy to the intentions of his more daring and impetuous friends.

Sidney understood him and said no more.

[417] The next application was made to Danby, and had far better success.
Indeed, for his bold and active spirit the danger and the excitement, which were insupportable to the more delicately organized mind of Halifax, had a strong fascination.