A Whig nobleman moved that Oates should be set at liberty: but this motion was overruled.

[590] The business of the day was nearly over, and Halifax was about to rise, when he was informed that a messenger from Sheerness was in attendance.
No occurrence could be more perplexing or annoying.

To do anything, to do nothing, was to incur a grave responsibility.

Halifax, wishing probably to obtain time for communication with the Prince, would have adjourned the meeting; but Mulgrave begged the Lords to keep their seats, and introduced the messenger.

The man told his story with many tears, and produced a letter written in the King's hand, and addressed to no particular person, but imploring the aid of all good Englishmen.
[591] Such an appeal it was hardly possible to disregard.