His son Aubrey, in whom closed the longest and most illustrious line of nobles that England has seen, a man of loose morals, but of inoffensive temper and of courtly manners, was Lord Lieutenant of Essex, and Colonel of the Blues.

His nature was not factious; and his interest inclined him to avoid a rupture with the court; for his estate was encumbered, and his military command lucrative.

He was summoned to the royal closet; and an explicit declaration of his intentions was demanded from him.

"Sir," answered Oxford, "I will stand by your Majesty against all enemies to the last drop of my blood.

But this is matter of conscience, and I cannot comply." He was instantly deprived of his lieutenancy and of his regiment.