In both Houses, the King had a strong party, especially in the House of Lords. All courtiers, and most of the bishops, steered by his compass, and the Prince's presence, who was a constant member, did cast an awe among many of them, yet there were some gallant spirits that aimed at the public liberty, more than their own interest .... among which the principal were, Henry Earl of Oxford, Henry Earl of Southampton, Robert Earl of Essex, Robert Earl of Warwick, the Lord Say, the Lord Spencer, and divers others that supported the old English honour, and would not let it die .... Southampton, though he were one of the King's Privy Council, yet was he no great courtier. Salisbury kept him at bay, and pinched him so by reason of his relation to old Essex, that he never flourished much in his time; nor was his spirit, after him, so smooth-shod as to go always the court pace, but that now and then he would make a carrier that was not very acceptable to them; for he carried his business closely and slyly, and was rather an adviser than an actor.