William listened patiently; but his purpose remained unchanged.
The alarm of the ministers seems to have been increased by finding that the King's intention had been confided to Marlborough, the very last man to whom such a secret would have been imparted unless William had really made up his mind to abdicate in favour of the Princess of Denmark.
Somers had another audience, and again began to expostulate.

But William cut him short.

"We shall not agree, my Lord; my mind is made up." "Then, Sir," said Somers, "I have to request that I may be excused from assisting as Chancellor at the fatal act which Your Majesty meditates.
It was from my King that I received this seal; and I beg that he will take it from me while he is still my King." In these circumstances the ministers, though with scarcely the faintest hope of success, determined to try what they could do to meet the King's wishes.

A select Committee had been appointed by the House of Commons to frame a bill for the disbanding of all the troops above seven thousand.
A motion was made by one of the Court party that this Committee should be instructed to reconsider the number of men.

Vernon acquitted himself well in the debate.