But as the latter would certainly respect the royal authority more than the former, whose rage appears to me to pass the bounds of all moderation, I would gladly see the Presbyterians obtain the upper hand." For months the negotiations dragged wearily on, the king, as usual, maintaining an indecisive attitude between the two parties.

At length, however, the negotiations ended in a manner which brought an eternal disgrace upon the Scotch, for they agreed, upon the receipt of a large sum of money as the deferred pay of the army, to deliver the king into the hands of the English Parliament.

A great convoy of money was sent down from London, and the day that the cash was in the hands of the Scots they handed over the king to the Parliamentary commissioners sent down to receive him.

The king was conducted to Holmby House, a fine mansion within six miles of Northampton, and there was at first treated with great honor.

A large household and domestic servants were chosen for him, an excellent stable kept, and the king was allowed a large amount of personal liberty.