However, before the bargain could
finally be ratified, it was necessary the appointment should pass
the great seal. This the chancellor would not permit, and
accompanied his refusal by remarking, "he thought this woman
would sell every thing shortly." His speech being repeated to
her, she, in great rage, sent him word she "had disposed of this
place, and had no doubt in a little time to dispose of his." And
so great was the malice she bore him, that she railed against him
openly and in all places; nor did she scruple to declare in the
queen's chamber, in the presence of much company, "that she hoped
to see his head upon a stake, to keep company with those of the
regicides on Westminster Hall."
And some political movements now arising, the history of which
lies not within the province of this work, the king seized upon
them as an excuse for parting with his chancellor. The monarch
complained that my Lord Clarendon "was so imperious that he would
endure no contradiction; that he had a faction in the House of
Commons that opposed everything that concerned his majesty's
service, if it were not recommended to them by him; and that he
had given him very ill advice concerning the parliament, which
offended him most."
Therefore there were rumours in the air that the chancellor's
fall was imminent; nor were the efforts of his son-in-law, the
Duke of York, able to protect him, for the friends of my Lady
Castlemaine openly told his majesty "it would not consist with
his majesty's honour to be hectored out of his determination to
dismiss the chancellor by his brother, who was wrought upon by
his wife's crying.
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