The thought seems to have occurred at once to two great chiefs of parties who had long been rivals and enemies, Rochester and Halifax.

They both, independently of one another, consulted the Bishops.

The Bishops warmly approved of the suggestion.

It was then proposed that a general meeting of peers should be called to deliberate on the form of an address to the King.

It was term time; and in term time men of rank and fashion then lounged every day in Westminster Hall as they now lounge in the clubs of Pall Mall and Saint James's Street.