In such a throng a short question and answer might be exchanged without attracting notice.
Halifax seized this opportunity, the first which had presented itself, of extracting all that Burnet knew or thought.

"What is it that you want ?" said the dexterous diplomatist; "do you wish to get the King into your power ?" "Not at all," said Burnet; "we would not do the least harm to his person." "And if he were to go away ?" said Halifax.

"There is nothing," said Burnet, "so much to be wished." There can be no doubt that Burnet expressed the general sentiment of the Whigs in the Prince's camp.

They were all desirous that James should fly from the country: but only a few of the wisest among them understood how important it was that his flight should be ascribed by the nation to his own folly and perverseness, and not to harsh usage and well grounded apprehension.

It seems probable that, even in the extremity to which he was now reduced, all his enemies united would have been unable to effect his complete overthrow had he not been his own worst enemy: but, while his Commissioners were labouring to save him, he was labouring as earnestly to make all their efforts useless.