The public curiosity was intense; for the examination had been conducted with closed doors; and both Commissioners and clerks had been sworn to secrecy.

The King was in the Netherlands.

Weeks must elapse before his pleasure could be taken; and the session could not last much longer.

In a fourth debate there were signs which convinced the Lord High Commissioner that it was expedient to yield; and the report was produced.

[598] It is a paper highly creditable to those who framed it, an excellent digest of evidence, clear, passionless, and austerely just.