"As to the civil government," continued William, "ye know perfectly well what corruption is there. For the last two reigns every honour in the gift of the Crown hath been put up to sale with women and priests for brokers—I can trust no one save, of course, yourselves, my lords," he added, with a faint sarcasm. "There is neither honesty nor industry nor credit in any department of the administration. I can do no more." Lord Godolphin came forward from the window; he was known to be higher in favour with the King than any there, and the others waited with a silent, anxious curiosity for him to speak. "I think Your Majesty will change your resolution," he said, with sudden warmth, "for the sake of Europe." "For the sake of Europe, my lord, I shall persist in it." Sidney Godolphin looked straightly at the King. "No—Your Majesty is not the man to shirk difficulties—bear with us a little." "My lord," answered William, "if all were as you I should have no difficulties—rise up, my lord of Shrewsbury; this is not your fault." The Duke got to his feet and retired to the deep window-seat; he appeared utterly overwhelmed. "I undertook to serve a King," said Godolphin, deeply moved. "Let me resign that service while you are still my King—if Your Majesty becomes Prince of Orange I become a private gentleman. I pray Your Majesty accept my resignation." "And mine, sir," added Halifax. "I hope that you will serve the Queen," replied William; he leant back in his chair and his face was colourless against the red brocade cushion. "It was to Your Majesty I swore obedience," said Godolphin firmly. "I set you free of those oaths—all of you, my lords—my convoy waiteth at Gravesend. In Holland I can be of service—not here." He, with infinite weariness, sat up and took his speech from the table. "Take this, my lord." He held it out to Lord Godolphin. The minister went on one knee. "I cannot be a party to this," he said. "Your Majesty must forgive me—but I cannot——" The blood rushed into the King’s thin cheek. "What do you want of me?" he cried passionately. "You know I do not shirk labour. I have worked like a government clerk since I have been in London, and I am well used to it—but it is no use." Godolphin answered him with equal passion. "Is all this labour to come to nothing, sir? If Your Majesty giveth up, there will be no heart in any of us—everything will fly asunder, and we be unprotected for the French and Irish to overrun. Your presence, your Dutch troops alone keep order. Without you we are lost again, and worse than we were before ’88——" "Your Majesty cannot—Your Majesty must not," cried Caermarthen. Shrewsbury raised his face; he was trembling, and weeping softly. "God in heaven!" he whispered, under his breath. Nottingham looked at him with contempt. "Will Your Majesty forsake your friends?" he asked sombrely. "Where do we stand if Your Majesty resigns the position we asked you to accept?"