The Estates of the Realm wished to establish a general principle.

They wished to set a precedent which might secure a remote posterity against evils such as the indiscreet liberality of former Parliaments had produced.

"From those evils Your Majesty has delivered this generation.

By accepting the gift of the Commons on the terms on which it is offered Your Majesty will be also a deliverer of future generations." William was not convinced; but he had too much wisdom and selfcommand to give way to his ill humour; and he accepted graciously what he could not but consider as ungraciously given, [599] The Civil List was charged with an annuity of twenty thousand pounds to the Princess of Denmark, in addition to an annuity of thirty thousand pounds which had been settled on her at the time of her marriage.

This arrangement was the result of a compromise which had been effected with much difficulty and after many irritating disputes.