The Commissions of Peace and Lieutenancy had long been carefully purged of all republican names.

The persons from whom the court had in vain attempted to extract any promise of support were, with scarcely an exception, Tories.

The elder among them could still show scars given by the swords of Roundheads, and receipts for plate sent to Charles the First in his distress.

The younger had adhered firmly to James against Shaftesury and Monmouth.
Such were the men who were now turned out of office in a mass by the very prince to whom they had given such signal proofs of fidelity.
Dismission however only made them more resolute.

It had become a sacred point of honour among them to stand stoutly by one another in this crisis.