Though the majority thus obtained was staunch to the measures of the court, the choice of speaker fell upon Mr.Harley, contrary to the inclination of the king, who favoured sir Thomas Lyttleton; but his majesty's speech was received with universal applause.

It was so much admired by the well-wishers to the revolution, that they printed it with decorations in the English, Dutch, and French languages.

It appeared as a piece of furniture in all their houses, and as the king's last legacy to his own and all protestant people.

In this celebrated harangue, he expatiated upon the indignity offered to the nation by the French king's acknowledging the pretended prince of Wales; he explained the dangers to which it was exposed by his placing his grandson on the throne of Spain; he gave them to understand he had concluded several alliances according to the encouragement given him by both houses of parliament, which alliances should be laid before them, together with other treaties still depending.

He observed, that the eyes of all Europe were upon this parliament; and all matters at a stand until their resolution should be known: therefore no time ought to be lost.