He fancied that London, so long the stronghold of Protestantism and Whiggism, was ready to take arms in his defence.

He sent to ask the Common Council whether, if he took up his residence in the City, they would engage to defend him against the Prince.

But the Common Council had not forgotten the seizure of the charter and the judicial murder of Cornish, and refused to give the pledge which was demanded.

Then the King's heart again sank within him.
Where, he asked, was he to look for protection?
He might as well have Dutch troops about him as his own Life Guards.

As to the citizens, he now understood what their huzzas and bonfires were worth.