The intelligence of his death was conveyed with speed to Oxford.

Instantly the University, of which he had long been Chancellor, met to name a successor.

One party was for the eloquent and accomplished Halifax, another for the grave and orthodox Nottingham.

Some mentioned the Earl of Abingdon, who resided near them, and had recently been turned out of the lieutenancy of the county for refusing to join with the King against the established religion.

But the majority, consisting of a hundred and eighty graduates, voted for the young Duke of Ormond, grandson of their late head, and son of the gallant Ossory.