“You do not know what you say. Have you no ambition?—We offer you dominion—power.”
William rose; for the first time some agitation showed through the composure of his manner.
“You offer me what I would not stoop to pick up, my lord,” he answered.
“I thought you a Prince desirous of reigning,” said Arlington.
“Not at the price of my honour, sir.”
Buckingham struck his gloves across his open palm.
“Whatever you do the country is lost,” he sneered.
“If it be I will not connive at it,” replied the Prince. “Nor make my profit out of that misfortune.”
The Duke was contemptuous.