Sunderland had just time to present himself, to take the oaths, to sign the declaration against transubstantiation, and to resume his seat.

None of the few peers who were present had an opportunity of making any remark.
[474] It was not till the year 1692 that he began to attend regularly.
He was silent; but silent he had always been in large assemblies, even when he was at the zenith of power.

His talents were not those of a public speaker.

The art in which he surpassed all men was the art of whispering.

His tact, his quick eye for the foibles of individuals, his caressing manners, his power of insinuation, and, above all, his apparent frankness, made him irresistible in private conversation.
By means of these qualities he had governed James, and now aspired to govern William.
To govern William, indeed, was not easy.