From one faction he could hope for no cordial support.

The cordial support of the other faction he could retain only by becoming himself the most factious man in his kingdom, a Shaftesbury on the throne.

If he persecuted the Tories, their sulkiness would infallibly be turned into fury.

If he showed favour to the Tories, it was by no means certain that he would gain their goodwill; and it was but too probable that he might lose his hold on the hearts of the Whigs.
Something however he must do: something he must risk: a Privy Council must be sworn in: all the great offices, political and judicial, must be filled.

It was impossible to make an arrangement that would please every body, and difficult to make an arrangement that would please any body; but an arrangement must be made.
What is now called a ministry he did not think of forming.