Note 11 — Chapter II
Reading edition
The great and prominent fault of King James II., and which formed the head and front of his political offences, was no doubt his arbitrary government, and the decided preference which he gave to Catholics in preference—nay, to the total exclusion of Protestants from all emoluments in the State, and furthermore enforced by bills of pains and penalties, and attainders! Upon this fatal rock his fortunes were wrecked, and he lost his throne. Since this time the converse of the proposition has been unhappily and unwisely but too often acted upon. But let the past be buried in oblivion, and mutual animosities be forgiven and forgotten! A bright and happy period seems now about to arise to give peace and tranquillity to a country too long depressed by civil and irreligious jars; the sun of peace seems, with bland promise, about to illumine the horizon of hitherto distracted Erin, by snapping asunder the bonds which have for ages manacled a brave and noble people; and it is fondly believed and hoped that a long desired great and liberal measure shall in no long space of time be effected by the "Roy le veult" of a great and mighty king, the most generous, enlightened, and accomplished prince, who ever adorned the throne of Britain, and who well indeed may be called Pater Patriæ, the father and the benefactor of ALL his people!