He therefore determined not to comply with the royal mandate.

He did not, however, act on this occasion with that courage and sincerity which he showed when driven to extremity two years later.

He begged to be excused on the plea of business and ill health.

The other members of the board, he added, were men of too much ability to need his assistance.

These disingenuous apologies ill became the Primate of all England at such a crisis; nor did they avert the royal displeasure.