But the same reasons which had prevented him from accepting the Great Seal in 1689 had, since that year, rather gained than lost strength.

William at length fixed his choice on Somers.
Somers was only in his forty-second year; and five years had not elapsed since, on the great day of the trial of the Bishops, his powers had first been made known to the world.

From that time his fame had been steadily and rapidly rising.

Neither in forensic nor in parliamentary eloquence had he any superior.

The consistency of his public conduct had gained for him the entire confidence of the Whigs; and the urbanity of his manners had conciliated the Tories.