What new laws of war were these?
Why was chivalrous courtesy to be shown to foes who thought no stratagem immoral, and who had never given quarter?
And what had been done that was not in strict accordance with the law of Parliament?
That law knew nothing of short notices and long notices, of thin houses and full houses.

It was the business of a representative of the people to be in his place.

If he chose to shoot and guzzle at his country seat when important business was under consideration at Westminster, what right had he to murmur because more upright and laborious servants of the public passed, in his absence, a bill which appeared to them necessary to the public safety?
As however a postponement of a few days appeared to be inevitable, those who had intended to gain the victory by stealing a march now disclaimed that intention.

They solemnly assured the King, who could not help showing some displeasure at their conduct, and who felt much more displeasure than he showed, that they had owed nothing to surprise, and that they were quite certain of a majority in the fullest house.
Sacheverell is said to have declared with great warmth that he would stake his seat on the issue, and that if he found himself mistaken he would never show his face in Parliament again.

Indeed, the general opinion at first was that the Whigs would win the day.