They did not realise these things partly because they did not enjoy Wellington's full confidence, and in a greater measure because they were blinded by self-interest, because, as O'Moy told Forjas, they placed private considerations above public duty.

The northern nobles whose lands must suffer opposed the measure violently; they even opposed the withdrawal of labour from those lands which the Militia Act had rendered necessary.

And Antonio de Souza made himself their champion until he was broken by Wellington's ultimatum to the Council.

For broken he was.

The nation had come to a parting of the ways.