The whole kingdom meanwhile was looking anxiously towards Hampton Court.
Most of the ministers were assembled there.

The most eminent men of the party which was out of power had repaired thither, to pay their duty to their sovereign, and to congratulate him on his safe return.

It was remarked that Somers and Halifax, so malignantly persecuted a few months ago by the House of Commons, were received with such marks of esteem and kindness as William was little in the habit of vouchsafing to his English courtiers.

The lower ranks of both the great factions were violently agitated.

The Whigs, lately vanquished and dispirited, were full of hope and ardour.