They expressed a hope that the Prince would favour them with a private audience; but they were informed that he had resolved to hear them and answer them in public.

They were ushered into his bedchamber, where they found him surrounded by a crowd of noblemen and gentlemen.

Halifax, whose rank, age, and abilities entitled him to precedence, was spokesman.

The proposition which the Commissioners had been instructed to make was that the points in dispute should be referred to the Parliament, for which the writs were already sealing, and that in the mean time the Prince's army would not come within thirty or forty miles of London.

Halifax, having explained that this was the basis on which he and his colleagues were prepared to treat, put into William's hands a letter from the King, and retired.