He acknowledged that he was bound to the late King by ties of gratitude and affection which no change of fortune could dissolve.

"I should be glad to do him any service in his private affairs: but I owe a sacred duty to my country; and therefore I was never so wicked as even to think of endeavouring to bring him back." This was a falsehood; and William was probably aware that it was so.

He was unwilling however to deal harshly with a man who had many titles to respect, and who was not likely to be a very formidable plotter.

He therefore declared himself satisfied, and proposed to discharge the prisoner.

Some of the Privy Councillors, however, remonstrated; and Penn was required to give bail, [655] On the day before William's departure, he called Burnet into his closet, and, in firm but mournful language, spoke of the dangers which on every side menaced the realm, of the fury or the contending factions, and of the evil spirit which seemed to possess too many of the clergy.