He could not but be aware that no English Parliament, however loyal, would permit such laws as were now passing through the Irish Parliament to stand.

Had he made up his mind to take the part of Ireland against the universal sense of England?
If so, to what could he look forward but another banishment and another deposition?
Or would he, when he had recovered the greater kingdom, revoke the boors by which, in his distress, he had purchased the help of the smaller?
It might seem an insult to him even to suggest that he could harbour the thought of such unprincely, of such unmanly, perfidy.

Yet what other course would be left to him?
And was it not better for him to refuse unreasonable concessions now than to retract those concessions hereafter in a manner which must bring on him reproaches insupportable to a noble mind?
His situation was doubtless embarrassing.

Yet in this case, as in other cases, it would be found that the path of justice was the path of wisdom, [225] Though James had, in his speech at the opening of the session, declared against the Act of Settlement, he felt that these arguments were unanswerable.

He held several conferences with the leading members of the House of Commons, and earnestly recommended moderation.