so few. The ministers
would not run the risk of losing all their credit by proposing a greater
number; and, having received no directions on this subject, sat silent
when it was debated in the house of commons.

Such was the indignation of William, kindled by this conduct of
his ministry and his parliament, that he threatened to abandon the
government, and had actually penned a speech to be pronounced to both
houses on that occasion; but he was diverted from this purpose by his
ministry and confidants, and resolved to pass the bill by which he had
been so much offended. Accordingly, when it was ready for the royal
assent, he went to the house of peers, where having sent for the
commons, he told them that although he might think himself unkindly used
in being deprived of his guards, which had constantly attended him in
all his actions; yet, as he believed nothing could be more fatal to the
nation than any distrust or jealousy between him and his parliament, he
was come to pass the bill according to their desire.

At the same time, for his own justification, and in discharge of the
trust reposed in him, he declared that in his own judgment the nation
was left too much exposed; and that it was incumbent upon them to
provide such a strength as might be necessary for the safety of the
kingdom. They thanked him in an address for this undeniable proof of his
readiness to comply with the desires of his parliament. They assured
him he should never have reason to think the commons were undutiful or
unkind; for they would on all occasions stand by and assist him in the
preservation of his sacred person, and in the support of his government,
against all his enemies whatsoever. The lords presented an address to
the same effect; and the king assured both houses he entertained no
doubts of their loyalty and affection. He forthwith issued orders for
reducing the army to the number of seven thousand men, to be maintained
in England under the name of guards and garrisons; and hoping the hearts
of the commons were now mollified, he made another effort in favour of
his Dutch guards, whom he could not dismiss without the most sensible
regret. Lord Ranelagh was sent with a written message to the commons,
giving them to understand that the necessary preparations were made for
transporting the guards who came with him into England, and that they
should embark immediately, unless out of consideration to him, the
house should be disposed to fi