They both declared that they would not join in the address if Rochester signed it.

Clarendon expostulated in vain.

"I mean no disrespect," said Halifax, "to my Lord Rochester: but he has been a member of the Ecclesiastical Commission: the proceedings of that court must soon be the subject of a very serious inquiry; and it is not fit that one who has sate there should take any part in our petition." Nottingham, with strong expressions of personal esteem for Rochester, avowed the same opinion.

The authority of the two dissentient Lords prevented several other noblemen from subscribing the address but the Hydes and the Bishops persisted.

Nineteen signatures were procured; and the petitioners waited in a body on the King.