already too rich, still richer.  It was evident that on that question the Lords could not hope to have the country with them, and that, if a general election took place while that question was unsettled, the new House of Commons would be even more mutinous and impracticable than the present House.  Somers, in his sick chamber, had given this opinion.  Orford had voted for the bill in every stage.  Montague, though no longer a minister, had obtained admission to the royal closet, and had strongly represented to the King the dangers which threatened the state.  The King had at length consented to let it be understood that he considered the passing of the bill as on the whole the less of two great evils.  It was soon clear that the temper of the Peers had undergone a considerable alteration since the preceding day.  Scarcely any, indeed, changed sides.  But not a few abstained from voting.  Wharton, who had at first spoken powerfully for the amendments, left town for Newmarket.  On the other hand, some Lords who had not yet taken their part came down to give a healing vote.  Among them were the two persons to whom the education of the young heir apparent had been entrusted, Marlborough and Burnet.  Marlborough showed his usual prudence.  He had remained neutral while by taking a part he must have offended either the House of Commons or the King.  He took a part as soon as he saw that it was possible to please both.  Burnet, alarmed for the public peace, was in a state of great excitement, and, as was usual with him when in such a state, forgot dignity and decorum, called out “stuff” in a very audible voice while a noble Lord was haranguing in favour of the amendments, and was in great danger of being reprimanded at the bar or delivered over to Black Rod.  The motion on which the division took place was that the House do adhere to the amendments.  There were forty contents and thirty-seven not contents.  Proxies were called; and the numbers were found to be exactly even.  In the House of Lords there is no casting vote.  When the numbers are even, the non contents have it.  The motion to adhere had therefore been negatived.  But this was not enough.  It was necessary that an affirmative resolution should be moved to the effect that the House agreed to the bill without amendments; and, if the numbers should again be equal, this motion would also be lost.  It was an anxious moment.  Fortunately the Primate’s heart failed him.  He had obstinately fought the battle down to the last stage.  But he probably felt that it was no light thing to take on himself, and to bring on his order, the responsibility of throwing the whole kingdom into confusion.  He started up and hurried out of the House, beckoning to some of his brethren.  His brethren followed him with a prompt obedience, which, serious as the crisis was, caused no small merriment.  In consequence of this defection, the motion to agree was carried by a majority of five.  Meanwhile the members of the other House had been impatiently waiting for news,