[660] In the House of Lords he had done all in his power to prevent a settlement.

He now exerted, for the same end, all his influence over the Princess Anne.

But his influence over her was small indeed when compared with that of the Churchills, who wisely called to their help two powerful allies, Tillotson, who, as a spiritual director, had, at that time, immense authority, and Lady Russell, whose noble and gentle virtues, proved by the most cruel of all trials, had gained for her the reputation of a saint.

The Princess of Denmark, it was soon known, was willing that William should reign for life; and it was evident that to defend the cause of the daughters of James against themselves was a hopeless task.

[661] And now William thought that the time had come when he ought to explain himself.