es showed to come into the queen's
measures; that the peace was approved by two successive parliaments;
that he had no share in the affair of Tournay, which was wholly
transacted by that unfortunate nobleman who has thought fit to
step aside; that for his own part, he always acted by the immediate
directions and commands of the late queen, without offending against any
known law; and, being justified by his own conscience, was unconcerned
for the life of an insignificant old man; that, if ministers of state,
acting by the immediate commands of their sovereign, are afterwards to
be made accountable for their proceedings, it might one day or other be
the case with all the members of that august assembly; that he did not
doubt their lordships, out of regard to themselves, would give him an
equitable hearing; and that in the prosecution of the inquiry it would
appear he had merited not only the indulgence, but even the favour of
his government. "My lords," said he, "I am now to take my leave of your
lordships, and of this honourable house, perhaps for ever; I shall lay
down my life with pleasure in a cause favoured by my late dear royal
mistress. When I consider that I am to be judged by the justice,
honour, and virtue of my peers, I shall acquiesce, and retire with great
content; and, my lords, God's will be done." The duke of Shrewsbury
having acquainted the house that the earl was very much indisposed with
the gravel, he was suffered to remain at his own house in custody of the
black-rod; in his way thither he was attended by a great multitude of
people crying, "High-church, Ormond and Oxford for ever!" Next day he
was brought to the bar; where he received a copy of the articles, and
was allowed a month to prepare his answer. Though Dr. Mead declared that
if the earl should be sent to the Tower his life would be in danger, it
was carried, on a division, that he should be conveyed thither on the
sixteenth day of July. During the debate, the earl of Anglesea observed,
that these impeachments were disagreeable to the nation, and that it was
to be feared such violent measures would make the sceptre shake in the
king's hands. This expression kindled the whole house into a flame. Some
members cried, "To the Tower!" some, "To order!" The earl of Sunderland
declared, that if these words had been spoken in another place, he
would have called the person that had spoken them to an account; in the
meantime he moved that the noble lord