renowned for the dexterity with which he, through life, turned
conversation away from matters of state to a main of cocks or the
pedigree of a racehorse. The visit ended without his uttering a
word indicating that he remembered the existence of King James.

Bulkeley, however, was not to be so repulsed. He came again, and
introduced the subject which was nearest his heart. Godolphin
then asked after his old master and mistress in the mournful tone
of a man who despaired of ever being reconciled to them. Bulkeley
assured him that King James was ready to forgive all the past.
"May I tell His Majesty that you will try to deserve his favour?"
At this Godolphin rose, said something about the trammels of
office and his wish to be released from them, and put an end to
the interview.

Bulkeley soon made a third attempt. By this time Godolphin had
learned some things which shook his confidence in the stability
of the government which he served. He began to think, as he would
himself have expressed it, that he had betted too deep on the
Revolution, and that it was time to hedge. Evasions would no
longer serve his turn. It was necessary to speak out. He spoke
out, and declared himself a devoted servant of King James. "I
shall take an early opportunity of resigning my place. But, till
then, I am under a tie. I must not betray my trust." To enhance
the value of the sacrifice which he proposed to make, he produced
a most friendly and confidential letter which he had lately
received from William. "You see how entirely the Prince of Orange
trusts me. He tells me that he cannot do without me, and that
there is no Englishman for whom he has so great a kindness; but
all this weighs nothing with me in comparison of my duty to my