The King had entertained a hope that, during the recess, the animosities which had in the preceding session prevented an Act of Indemnity from passing would have been mitigated.

On the day on which the Houses reassembled, he had pressed them earnestly to put an end to the fear and discord which could never cease to exist, while great numbers held their property and their liberty, and not a few even their lives, by an uncertain tenure.

His exhortation proved of no effect.

October, November, December passed away; and nothing was done.

An Indemnity Bill indeed had been brought in, and read once; but it had ever since lain neglected on the table of the House, [538] Vindictive as had been the mood in which the Whigs had left Westminster, the mood in which they returned was more vindictive still.