But he might be sent across the sea and confined in the fortress of Breda till the affairs of the British Islands were settled.

If the Prince were in possession of such a hostage, Tyrconnel would probably lay down the sword of state; and the English ascendency would be restored to Ireland without a blow.

If, on the other hand, James should escape to France and make his appearance at Dublin, accompanied by a foreign army, the consequences must be disastrous.

William owned that there was great weight in these reasons, but it could not be.

He knew his wife's temper; and he knew that she never would consent to such a step.