Even in the midst of their relief that they had moved him the ministers were shaken at this resolution.
"Your Majesty cannot be spared from London," exclaimed Halifax.
"I shall prorogue Parliament before I leave," answered William fiercely. "That or nothing, my lords. I do not stay here to be King Log——"
They bowed before his terms as they had done in the crisis of '88; only Shrewsbury, who saw the downfall of his party in the prorogation of a Whig Parliament, made a feeble protest.
"Fever is epidemic in Ireland—the health of Your Majesty——"
"You fear to lose me, my lord, before I have served your turn!" was struck out of the King; then he amended his contempt, for he was ever fond of Shrewsbury. "It is the only thing to do—if the reduction of Ireland is necessary before the Continental Campaign—I must go." He looked sharply round. "Gentlemen, do you take these terms—will you unite to help me to them?"
"We have no choice," said Lord Godolphin, and he tore the draft of the King's speech across.
CHAPTER III
THE BEST OF LIFE
It was early May; the King was walking in his park at Kensington, with his friend, William Bentinck, Earl of Portland.