voted for it were zealously and even superstitiously loyal, and
had readily agreed to insert some complimentary phrases, and to
omit every word which the courtiers thought offensive. The answer
of James was a cold and sullen reprimand. He declared himself
greatly displeased and amazed that the Commons should have
profited so little by the admonition which he had given them.
"But," said he, "however you may proceed on your part, I will be
very steady in all the promises which I have made to you."25

The Commons reassembled in their chamber, discontented, yet
somewhat overawed. To most of them the King was still an object
of filial reverence. Three more years filled with injuries, and
with insults more galling than injuries, were scarcely sufficient
to dissolve the ties which bound the Cavalier gentry to the
throne.

The Speaker repeated the substance of the King's reply. There
was, for some time, a solemn stillness; then the order of the day
was read in regular course; and the House went into committee on
the bill for remodelling the militia.

In a few hours, however, the spirit of the opposition revived.
When, at the close of the day, the Speaker resumed the chair,
Wharton, the boldest and most active of the Whigs, proposed that
a time should be appointed for taking His Majesty's answer into
consideration. John Coke, member for Derby, though a noted Tory,
seconded Wharton. "I hope," he said, "that we are all Englishmen,
and that we shall not be frightened from our duty by a few high
words."