But the device proved unsuccessful; and soon it appeared that the old practice of filling the chief offices of state with men taken from various parties, and hostile to one another, or, at least, unconnected with one another, was altogether unsuited to the new state of affairs; and that, since the Commons had become possessed of supreme power, the only way to prevent them from abusing that power with boundless folly and violence was to intrust the government to a ministry which enjoyed their confidence.
While William was making these changes in the great offices of state, a change in which he took a still deeper interest was taking place in his own household.

He had laboured in vain during many months to keep the peace between Portland and Albemarle.

Albemarle, indeed, was all courtesy, good humour, and submission; but Portland would not be conciliated.

Even to foreign ministers he railed at his rival and complained of his master.

The whole Court was divided between the competitors, but divided very unequally.