The time for such follies had gone by; and this exhibition excited nothing but derision and disgust.
[514] While these things were passing in Devonshire the ferment was great in London.

The Prince's Declaration, in spite of all precautions, was now in every man's hands.

On the sixth of November James, still uncertain on what part of the coast the invaders had landed, summoned the Primate and three other Bishops, Compton of London, White of Peterborough, and Sprat of Rochester, to a conference in the closet.

The King listened graciously while the prelates made warm professions of loyalty, and assured them that he did not suspect them.

"But where," said he, "is the paper that you were to bring me ?" "Sir," answered Sancroft, "we have brought no paper.