[590] William was regarded at Saint Germains as a monster compared with whom Coligni and Henry the Third were saints.

Nevertheless James, during some years, refused to sanction any attempt on his nephew's person.

The reasons which he assigned for his refusal have come down to us, as he wrote them with his own hand.

He did not affect to think that assassination was a sin which ought to be held in horror by a Christian, or a villany unworthy of a gentleman; he merely said that the difficulties were great, and that he would not push his friends on extreme danger when it would not be in his power to second them effectually.

[591] In truth, while Mary lived, it might well be doubted whether the murder of her husband would really be a service to the Jacobite cause.