He had discharged his duty by them.
He feared no obloquy; and he wanted no thanks.
On the twentieth of May the Act of Grace was passed.

The King then informed the Houses that his visit to Ireland could no longer be delayed, that he had therefore determined to prorogue them, and that, unless some unexpected emergency made their advice and assistance necessary to him, he should not call them again from their homes till the next winter.

"Then," he said, "I hope, by the blessing of God, we shall have a happy meeting." The Parliament had passed an Act providing that, whenever he should go out of England, it should be lawful for Mary to administer the government of the kingdom in his name and her own.

It was added that he should nevertheless, during his absence, retain all his authority.

Some objections were made to this arrangement.