But Somers still held the Great Seal, still presided in the House of Lords, still had constant access to the closet.

The retreat of his friends had left him the sole and undisputed head of that party which had, in the late Parliament, been a majority, and which was, in the present Parliament, outnumbered indeed, disorganised and disheartened, but still numerous and respectable.

His placid courage rose higher and higher to meet the dangers which threatened him.

He provided for himself no refuge.

He made no move towards flight; and, without uttering one boastful word, gave his enemies to understand, by the mild firmness of his demeanour, that he dared them to do their worst.
In their eagerness to displace and destroy him they overreached themselves.