It was his ambition to be, at this conjuncture, the peacemaker between the throne and the nation.

His talents and character fitted him for that office; and, if he failed, the failure is to be ascribed to causes against which no human skill could contend, and chiefly to the folly, faithlessness, and obstinacy of the Prince whom he tried to save.
Halifax now gave utterance to much unpalatable truth, but with a delicacy which brought on him the reproach of flattery from spirits too abject to understand that what would justly be called flattery when offered to the powerful is a debt of humanity to the fallen.

With many expressions of sympathy and deference, he declared it to be his opinion that the King must make up his mind to great sacrifices.

It was not enough to convoke a Parliament or to open a negotiation with the Prince of Orange.

Some at least of the grievances of which the nation complained should be instantly redressed without waiting till redress was demanded by the Houses or by the captain of the hostile army.
Nottingham, in language equally respectful, declared that he agreed with Halifax.