AND

Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, &c.

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No. 533.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1827.

PRICE 8d.

REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS.

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|sidering the recommendation of a person to be one who well knew how to describe him, a his secretary; and he says:person of as much virtue as can possibly consist Mr. Canning; from De Vere. "I wish in particular to discover, whether with a love of power; and his love of power no LOOKING upon this admirable work (after he pretends to what is called genius, imagina- greater than what is common to men of his being allowed more leisurely to appreciate its tion, original thought, and other nonsense of superior capacities.' He admired and loved merits than was in our power when we first that kind. If he does, I tell you fairly, he him, too, for many other qualities. But it is noticed it) as one of the very highest order in will not do for me. There is, indeed, one not easy to describe this able and accomplished its class, we may, perhaps, be permitted, on minister of state, Mr. Wentworth, who is of person. His mind was an assemblage of all repeating our eulogy, also shortly to express a very different opinion, because he is a man that could excite, and all that could soothe; his our opinion of the influence and importance of of towering genius and eloquence himself. heart, the seat of an ambition belonging, as it novel writing. How strong a public sensation All very well: all very well; but with very were, to himself; equally above stooping to can be created by a skilfully-devised fiction of great submission to Mr. Wentworth, though court or people, and which no fear of either this kind, we need not contend for, while a minister of state, he has done wrong in could affright. With all this, his feelings were the actual effects produced by the author of encouraging about his own person, as con- attuned to friendship, and his intellect to the Waverley are before our eyes. The Drama fidents in his most important department, pleasures of elegant cultivation. Thus he shone has been much vaunted as the reformer of men of poetry and imagination."-His Lord- alike in the tumult of party, and the witchery manners, the deterrent from vice, and the ship, on the contrary, would have all place- of letters. In these last, he had been beauti promoter of virtue; but certainly, in these men to be what are called common-placemen: fully distinguished, and had had many amiable days, there has been infinitely greater power his ideas are, that extraordinary powers of mind associates, before he acquired his political emiexercised for either evil or good by literary are dangerous, -in mediocrity, id tutissimum nence. In the senate, his eloquence was like a productions of the description to which we est.-Sir W. Flowerdale, a person of much mountain river, taking its rise from reason, but refer. And if any novel possess this power, it experience and ability, on the other hand, swelling its impetus by a thousand auxiliary pre-eminently belongs to De Vere; where inti- speaking of dissimulation in statesmen as op- streams of wit and imagination, which it mate knowledge of the world and enlarged posed to candour, observes in conversation with gathered on its way. It is, indeed, difficult to mental endowments are combined in an un-De Vere: say whether his wit or his reasoning predomicommon degree, and furnish us with characters "Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare.nated; for such was the effect of both united, most happily drawn, views of society full of What think you?' It is to me a cold- that never was reason so set off by wit, or wit truth, and reflections upon both which are at hearted maxim, and I hate it,' replied De so sustained by reason. The one was a running once philosophical, instructive, and delightful. Vere. It can only be preferred to the silli- fire, flashing from right to left over the whole It is not, however, our intention to develop ness of letting a foolish face, or a tell-tale field of argument, so as to embarrass and these merits in (as we have very convincing tongue, blab out one's heart to the winds.' paralyze his antagonists; while the other, reasons to believe) Mr. Robert Ward's volumes I honour you for these sentiments,' said the when seriousness was resumed, struck down -they must strike every reader as among the Nestor, which I think are correct; and we every thing that opposed, with the force of principal excellencies of a performance alto- have among us some illustrious examples, that thunder. But he had a more powerful recomgether of the foremost rank in excellence; and there may be statesmen of the first talents mendation still to the favour of his auditors,, we shall content ourselves with detaching from and most profound views, who are above such whether in the senate or elsewhere. His polithe group one portrait which we consider to a close rule of conduct.......At the very top, tics, as his heart, were truly, I might say possess, especially at this momentous epoch, the high-minded Mr. Wentworth is all open-insularly, British; and though he contemplated peculiar public interest. Few men have en-ness and confidence, and conceals himself the and understood the continent as well as any, joyed better opportunities for observing and esti- least, of all the great secrets that are conmating the character of Mr. Canning than the fided to him.' This is charming,' said De anthor of De Vere; few men are better quali- Vere.""And so it is, as well as one of the most fied to form a correct judgment of it; and striking points in Mr. Canning's character. few men are better qualified to communicate No man was ever permitted to approach him, their own impressions to others with clear- perhaps, or to converse with him one hour, ness, discrimination, and force. Let us, there- without being enchanted by that openness and fore, indulge ourselves with contemplating, from sincerity which unlocks the breasts of both been known to fail, or to abandon. This made the hand of a master, the picture of that great parties the minister reposing confidence within him the most loved for his own sake, of all the man whose genius has raised him to the the measure of wisdom, and the individual leaders of his time out of the House, while in it highest pinnacle of a Briton's ambition; whom thus honoured made anxious to requite the he reigned without struggle or compeer,-nihil his country, we may almost say, whom the obligation by every service in his power, till simile aut secundum. Yet, superior as Mr. civilised world, calls, as it were by acclama- at length he becomes one of the many who Wentworth was in all these respects, he was tion, to the helm of this mighty state in the are bound to the superior mind alike by kept, strange to say, from rising to the highest hour of need; and whom it is now felt and sentiments of admiration and love. point, by the influence or intrigues of far less understood we shall have the good fortune to "De Vere's acquaintance with Mr. Went-gifted rivals. Men wondered at this, but (hapsee within a very few days placed by our patriotic worth arose out of the introduction of their pily for the repose of mankind) the times are Monarch, in accordance with the wishes of his mutual friend Dr. Herbert. Mr. Wentworth over when a man who could not rule by other people, at the head of our national councils. had been made acquainted with all the oppres-means, did not scruple, if he could, to seize the In Wentworth, Mr. Ward has drawn a sions, and all the self-exertions, of the moated government by force, and awe even his prince noble likeness of this distinguished individual, house; and, ardent himself, and still perhaps into dangerous compliances. Mr. Wentworth portraying with equal truth and fidelity those with some pent up romance in his composition, knew this, but, even in other times, would fine features which render him beloved in pri- which all the struggles and events of his life never have attempted to go so far, and he vate, and admired in public life. As the traits, could not absolutely conquer, he conceived both however, are scattered over many pages, we liking and esteem for his young friend. On must collect and concentrate them, so as to the other hand, De Vere saw in Mr. Wentinsulate the portrait :-not the less a real one, worth, much, if not every thing he admired. that it is painted in a work of this sort. He thought him, as in times a little farther off, Lord Mowbray, a practiced minister, is con-another considerable minister was thought, by

and better than most who went before him, of the continent it was his principle to steer clear, except in so far as it was connected with Britain. This did not fail to buy him golden opinions with all sorts of persons;' and he wound up all by a stanch adherence to his personal friends, not one of whom he had ever

therefore contented himself, at present, with a second place. This, at the time we write of, was the less irksome, because the high quality and worth, and still more, the long habit of being considered the leader of his party, which belonged to the Premier, induced the submis

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And yet,' con

• What boots it with incessant care,

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sion of all to his authority, without a murmur. | who, by their genius, their philosophy, or love they soon cease to be mentioned, perhaps even Every body, however, foresaw, from what has of letters, improve and gladden life even after remembered.' 'Surely,' said the doctor,' this been stated, that the Premier's resignation they are gone.'. The whole company saw the is too much in extremes.' would occasion a contest for the succession, which force of this remark, and Wentworth not the tinued Wentworth, have we not all heard of might shake the administration to its centre; least among them. You have touched aa maxim, appalling to all lovers of political and Mr. Wentworth was not a man to submit theme,' said he, which has often engaged me, fame that nobody is missed?' Alas! then to hold a second rank under any other living and others before me, with the keenest interest. are we not compelled to burst out with the person. Such, then, was the public character I know nothing so calculated as this very poet :of this accomplished man; and there were not reflection, to cure us poor political slaves, wanting those who observed, in his connexion (especially when we feel the tugs we are To tend the homely, slighted shepherd's trade! And strictly meditate the thankless muse? with great families, in the spread of himself obliged to sustain), of being dazzled by meteors.' Were it not better done, as others use, among all men of parliamentary power, and Meteors! do you call them ?' said Dr. Herbert. To sport with Amaryllis in the shade, particularly in the attachment of the young Men do not run after meteors with such rapid Or with the tangles of Newra's hair?" men of rising talents to his person, a promise and persevering steps, as you great people Both Sir George and De Vere kindled at this; of future strength which might one day influ- pursue ambition.' 'I grant you,' returned his and the doctor himself smiled, when the mience the fate of the empire. [Prophetic!] friend; and if we did not think them something nister proceeded. In short,' said he, “when Mr. Wentworth's public dinners were frequent, better, who would give himself [q. themselves] a statesman, or even a conqueror is departed, and thronged, and in them he displayed all the up to such labour, such invasions of their privacy it depends upon the happier poet or philosophic felicity of his wit, and all the conciliation of and leisure, as we are forced to undergo ?' historian, to make even his name known to his manner. But the delight of his secret What is it then that so seduces you?' A posterity; while the historian or poet acquires heart was in banquets far more select, and far little intoxication,' returned Mr. Wentworth, immortality for himself, in conferring upon his more happy. These were his private parties, (laughing off a subject which he did not wish heroes an inferior existence.' Inferior exist. with men who were either independent of carried too far ;) for which you philosophers ence!' exclaimed Herbert. Yes! for look politics, or with whom politics did not form say we ought to be whipped; and for which at Plutarch, and ask which are most esteemed, the first passion of their minds; men who whipped we often are. Those, however, who himself, or those he records? Look at the were of kindred with himself in every thing want this whipping would do well to take Sir old Claudii, and Manlii, of Livy; or the chathat could charm the taste, or enlighten the George's advice, and visit the shrines of the racters in Tacitus; or Mecenas, Agrippa, or understanding. With these, he continued still mighty dead. They would see how inferior Augustus himself-princes, emperors, minisoccasionally to live, although often separated most of themselves are in present estimation to ters, esteemed by contemporaries as gods!! from them by that which separates all who are beings who, when alive, could not, in splendour Fancy their splendour in the eye of the multinot linked in the same pursuit the struggles at least, compare with them. I have too often tude, while the multitude followed them! Look of ambition, and the tumults of party. At made the reflection, and was not the happier for at them now! Spite even of their beautiful these private entertainments De Vere had now it.' You cannot be serious,' said the divine, historians, we have often difficulty in rumthe good fortune sometimes to be a guest, since who are such real benefactors to man-maging out their old names; while those who particularly when Herbert was in town, and kind, as enlightened legislators and patriot war- wrote or sang of them, live before our eyes. gave him the meeting; for Mr. Wentworth, riors? What poet, I had almost said, what The benefits they conferred passed in a minute, though much older, was young enough to have philosopher, can stand in competition with the while the compositions that record them last received, in common with De Vere, the benefit founder or defender of his country?' Ask for ever.' Mr. Wentworth's energy moved of Herbert's able superintendence. Of these your own Homer, your own Shakspeare,' an- his hearers, and even Herbert, who was too parties, too, was often Sir George Deloraine-swered Wentworth; forgetting his ambition classical not to be shaken by these arguments. the delight of his friends, and, indeed, of all for a moment in his love of letters. YouStill, however,' said the latter, we admire, and elegant society; eminent in the polite arts, and take me in my weak part,' said Herbert, and even wish to emulate Camillus, and Miltiades, skilled in polite literature; with a power of the subject would carry us too far. I would and Alexander; a Sully and a Clarendon.' communicating himself which was absolutely remark, however, that but for the Solons, the Add a Lord Burleigh,' replied the minister, charming, when he got over the only drawback Romuluses, the Charlemagnes, and Alfreds, we who, in reference to Spenser, thought an to his powers (if it was a drawback)-a modesty should have no Homer or Shakspeare to charm hundred pounds an immense sum for a song! amounting sometimes to shyness. This ami- us.' I know this is your favourite theme,' Which is now most thought of, or most loved? able man always set off the fine polish of his said the minister; and you know how much the calculating minister, or the poor poet? mind, by mingling something of a sentimental I agree with you. But this is not precisely the puissant treasurer, or he who was left in cast with all his tastes. He indeed held, that the question raised by Sir George; which is suing long to bide?'-Sir George and De to connect itself with sentiment, was always a the superiority in the temple of Fame enjoyed Vere, considering the quarter whence it came, great ingredient in the composition of taste by men distinguished for their efforts in song were delighted with this question. The doctor itself. It happened that Sir George was a or history, (but who might have been mere was silent, and seemed to wish his great friend frequent visitor of Westminster Abbey, on beggars when alive), over those who flaunted to go on. He proceeded thus: I might which he had been so rallied by his friends, it superciliously over them in a pomp and make the same question as to Horace and that he generally endeavoured (from the shy. pride, which are now absolutely forgotten.' Mecænas; and yet, I dare say, Horace was ness above mentioned) to enjoy it by stealth, I will have nothing to do with supercilious as proud of being taken in Mecenas's coach to and often tried to make his entry and exit by flaunters,' replied Herbert; I speak of the the capitol, as the Dean of St. Patrick's, in some private way. Unfortunately, he had been liberal, the patriotic, who seek power for the Oxford's or Bolingbroke's, to Windsor. Yet, detected by Wentworth in coming out of the true uses of power, in order to diffuse bless- Oxford is even now chiefly remembered through door by Poet's Corner, on the very day of one ing and protection all around them. These that very Dean, and so perhaps would -Bolingof these dinners, when De Vere was a guest; can never fail to be deservedly applauded; broke, but that he is an author, and a very conand, as we may suppose, was shewn up imme- and I honour such ambition as of infinitely siderable one, himself. We may recollect,' diately by the unmerciful minister, who put more real consequence to the world, than continued he, the manner in which Whitehim upon the defence of his Cockney tastes, as those whose works (however I may love them locke mentions Milton-that one Milton, a he called them, with a raillery that was equally in private) can, from the mere nature of blind man,' was made secretary to Cromwell. keen and protracted. The enthusiastic Sir things, be comparatively known only to a few.' Whitelocke was then the first subject in the George defended himself stoutly; which was All that is most true,' said Mr. Wentworth; state, and lived in all the pomp of the seals, precisely what his companions wanted; as his and for a while, public men of the description and all the spendour of Bulstrode; while the feelings never shone out so much, as when an you mention, fill a larger space in the eye of blind man waked at early morn to listen to the attack had forced him from his natural reserve. mankind; that is, of contemporary mankind. lark bidding him good morrow at his cottage In the course of his defence, after making every But extinguish their power, no matter by what window. Where is the lord keeper now?one feel the warmth with which he described means; whether by losing favour at court, or where the blind man ? What is known of the contemplation of those rich monuments being turned out by the country, to both which Addison, as secretary of state? and how can of departed genius, addressing himself to they are alike subject; let death forcibly re- his excellency compare with the man who Wentworth, he added, 'It would do all you move them, or a queen die, and their light, like charms us so exquisitely in his writings? men of power good, if you were to visit them Bolingbroke's, goes out of itself; their influ. When I have visited his interesting house at too; for it would shew you how little more ence is certainly gone, and where is even their Bilton, in Warwickshire, sat in his very study, than upon a level, is often the reputation of reputation? It may glimmer for a minute, and read his very books, no words can describe the greatest statesman with the fame of those like the dying flame of a taper, after which my emotions. I breathe his official atmosphere

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All on the margin of some flowery stream,
To spread your careless limbs;'

rather than like Shakspeare, in a storm,

To look abroad from some high cliff, superior,
And enjoy the elemental war."

here, but without thinking of him at all. In state were besieged, and the closet of the Oldcastle would be called upon to name the short, there is this delightful superiority in highest personage of the realm was frequently new administration; and in that event he had literary over political fame, that the one, to say opened to various leaders, all professing to be declared against Wentworth's holding any the best of it, stalks in cold grandeur upon actuated alone by an anxiety for the interests place in it. Mr. Wentworth was not of a stilts, like a French tragedy actor,-while the of the empire; which interests, however, could temper, at any time, to disguise his feelings, other winds itself into our warm hearts, and only be consulted by a compliance with the par- and he was at no pains to conceal them now: is hugged there with all the affection of a friend, ticular views of each leader respectively. The in fact, they escaped him in reproaches so bitter, and all the admiration of a lover.' Hear! reports, messages, long faces, conferences in and at the same time so just, that many of his hear!' cried Sir George; which was echoed ministers' rooms and secretaries' rooms, in the auditors shrank from his presence. At that by De Vere, and Herbert himself. This is passages of Whitehall, under the trees of the moment he received a letter from his new ally, very good,' said Herbert, looking at him with park, and in the recesses of the House of Com- Lord Cleveland, expressing, after great la great keenness in his small black eyes; and mons, were innumerable, and too obvious for mentations of the untoward end of things, his we are to understand, therefore, that you concealment; and (believe it who will) it was sincere regrets that the hopes of the country would have been happier in the pursuit of let- in the very midst of these agitating plans, that had not been fulfilled in his (Mr. Wentworth's) ters and philosophy than of power. You would Mr. Wentworth gave the dinner, and held this person; but trusting that the circumstances of no doubt prefer, like Waller, philosophic conversation." the times, and the contumacious, ill-affected "At the time, De Vere, though he knew spirit abroad, would excuse him and the rest of the reports that were in agitation, did not the king's friends, if they gave their support to know the share which the actual conduct of his the new government, even though among its friend had had in giving them currency. He members he might not be included. Wentknew not that he had, on the very morning of worth's heart swelled with contempt as he read "I know not,' said Wentworth, but among his dinner, been closeted with some of his most this letter; an expression of superciliousness, friends I may say, that though I have pur-powerful supporters, who had for a considerable mixed with detestation, got possession of his sued, and, as some think, obtained power, I period been constantly urging him even to lay features; and, tearing the letter to pieces, he have not been the happier for it.' All were claim to the premiership, when vacant, as his exclaimed, Why, what a frosty spirited rogue struck with the emphasis which he laid upon undoubted right, from the reputation he had is this!' like Hotspur's lord fool, for his own the words, as some think,' and each looked obtained and the confidence he had inspired. part, he could be well contented to be there, in at the other with a significance which seemed They had even gone so far as to suggest, and respect of the love he bears our house: it is to say, more was meant than meets the ear. actually to demand, a pledge from him, that, if clear to me that he loves his own barn better He perceived it, and in rather a hurried man-he obtained the post, he would support and than our house." A few hours' reflection, ner returned to the subject. With regard to carry into effect various reforms of which, these "assisted by some eloquent sentences of Bolingmyself,' said he, I repeat, among friends, that patriots said, the state stood cruelly in need; broke and Seneca, some of whose volumes always the glare we all live in is not what I should and nothing could appear more zealous than lay on his table, amid despatches, debates, and say was real happiness; though, like drunkards, this body of partizans in a cause so virtuous, party pamphlets," altered his tone of mind: and few can quit their acquired taste. I trust, and likely to be so popular. Mr. Wentworth, the author adds, "Let not this picture be underhowever, I could return to the shade at an with great enthusiasm of character, and a spi- valued; for so versatile, and so amiable, in hour's warning, and find a repose far from the rit of as great integrity as the most inflexible reality, was Wentworth's spirit, that, believe gaze of men, more gratifying than in buffeting patriot could wish, was himself sufficiently in- it who will, all this had its effect. He deand being buffeted as we are, although victory clined to this principle of action. He gave the spised the base desertion of his party as much as be the consequence.' At these words, spite of pledge required, and demanded and received, on ever; but by degrees he found himself in a sort himself, he fell again into a sort of reverie. his part, the most explicit promises, that should of proud composure, and, on that very day, as Well,' said Herbert, resuming, all this is another succeed to the government, and he be we have said, presided at the dinner where he very fine, and we are bound to believe, that obliged to retire, they would all make common so delighted his guests with philosophic conyou, at least, believe yourself. Nay! I have cause, and act in party. What was his asto-versation." no doubt,' added he, (the smile increasing nishment, therefore, to find, now the crisis Lord Mowbray and the parvenu not only almost into a laugh,) we shall soon see was arrived, that these patriot friends seemed adhere to Lord Oldcastle, but endeavour to you among your orange trees at Wimbledon.' not only to have forgotten their principles, but decry Wentworth: in consequence of which Sooner, perhaps, than you are aware of,' replied to have changed their opinion in regard to his they retain their places. the minister, continuing his serious mood. own pretensions. At another meeting which "This, though bought by the eternal conBut whether sooner or later,' (here he rather was held, they admired him, they said, as tempt of Mr. Wentworth and many others, forced cheerfulness), 6 my orange trees are much as ever: thought him a great creature; was thought not too dearly paid for, while Mr. always too delightful not to be welcomed with a public possession, who ought to have one of Wentworth confined his opinions to his own gladness. If I am sent to them, I assure you, the highest posts in the ministry: but as to en- breast, or the expression of them merely to I shall snuff their blossoms with not the less gaging in opposition, should he unfortunately private circles. But this was scarcely to be expleasure because delivered from some knaves be left out of the new administration, they pected from one not too famous for the control and many fools; or even from the task of could not join in the attempt to force the closet of his feelings, even when not, as in this inreading the beautiful effusions of office, instead of the king, who they found was likely to de- stance, provoked and lashed by baseness as of those of the mens divinior, which delight cide in favour of Lord Oldcastle. They only well as injury, into most honourable indignayou, doctor, in the sacred retirement of your hoped that he might still be allowed to hold his tion. He therefore did not fail to express his doister. So you will no doubt think to- place under that noble person. No language opinion of Lord Mowbray in the House, with night, replied the dean, after you dismiss us, can describe the disdain of Mr. Wentworth at a keenness and effect which turned the parvenu and pass the half of it, perhaps, in composing this change of conduct: it called up all his pale. And as to the parvenu himself, Wentthose very effusions of office. Forgive me, if pride of character, which he felt to be insulted, worth, without scruple or disguise, and proyou remind me of what the great critic of life as well as that his fairest hopes were disap-nouncing every thing but his name,while his says of his usurer :pointed. His honourable ambition (for it was eye flashed upon him with a sort of sacred honourable) was thwarted, his rival exalted, anger,-designated him as the smooth volunhis schemes for the public good paralysed; and teer of dirty work, for whoever would pay the what wounded him most, (for he was of a most price of it." The bitterness, and, to many, the loyal and open disposition, and of a nature the justice of this reproach, seemed to electrify the most abhorrent to every species of treachery) House; and, as the parvenu (as has been deall seemed to be the consequence of an inter-scribed) was a man of sentiment, it gave a course of some standing with the court, of whole night's misery to his high sensibilities. which these friends had kept him wholly in He recovered, however, when he recollected ignorance. In short, it was only at the mo-that, at the treasury, it might confer upon him ment we speak of, that he learned that the the air of a martyr, and consequently a claim "The respective parties of Mr. Wentworth compact which these friends had made with him, to some additional reward. He was, therefore, and Lord Oldcastle were indeed so nearly had been made while they were under the de- only more assiduous than ever in his character balanced, that they were ready to give battle à ception of an expected decision in his favour, of an official go-between; and Lord Mowbray Coutrance, in the assertion of their respective in which expectation they were now disap-made this affront an argument with the new pretensions. The doors of great officers of pointed; for it appeared certain that Lord minister for bestowing marks of favour on him

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Hae ubi locutus fœnerator Alfius,
Jamjam futurus rusticus,

Omnem relegit Idibus pecuniam;
Quærit Kalendis ponere.'

Mr. Wentworth took his raillery in good part,
and the entrance of coffee changed the con-
versation."

The political drama which is made still further to illustrate this admirably sketched character, proceeds to its dénoument.

self, and on his protégé a sinecure place which
then happened to be vacant. It may gild
him,' said the minister, (who had a keen view
of character, and who looked, as he said it, as
if he meant something more than an allusion
to Clayton), but it will be with tarnished
gold.' ́ ́ Gild him, however,' said Lord Mow-
bray.
"Mr. Wentworth, in short, with feelings as
glowing as his abilities, was a proof (whatever
may appear to the contrary in this story) that
there may be minds incorruptible by power,
and which have preserved their simplicity,
unhurt by the atmosphere of dissimulation in
which they live, and uninjured even by the
blaze of their own reputations. If ever the
famous antithesis in the epitaph on Gay, was
applicable to any other person, it surely was to

him." 99

The following sentences put into the mouth of Wentworth in a conversation after a most interesting visit to the abode of Lord Bolingbroke, when in exile, cannot fail to be perused with deep attention.

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as the closest borough holders. I question racter of Wentworth, when he went even so if the country gentleman be not the greater far as to offer to vacate the government, and slave of the two. The only difference is in the form a new one upon terms of sincere equality. masters. For the county member crouches as Wentworth replied, that his object being a much to his elector, yields his opinion, votes total change of measures, he could hardly against his conscience as often, if not oftener, expect it without a change of men. That to than the little burgess who follows the patron do all for individuals, and nothing for the of his choice: only in the one case, the inde- country, would only bolster up a sinking pendent, as he is called, has a thousand lords; cause; that that power was most secure which in the other, but one. In proof of this, look at was founded upon public opinion, and that the county member, shaking for his seat minister most a friend to his king, who car. towards the end of a parliament, and ask what ried with him the support of his country. is become of the pride and self-consequence that Wentworth held that the public were an marked the beginning of it?' I fear this is honest public; and their representatives, with but too true,' observed De Vere, but it inter- all their defects, honest representatives, whose feres not with what I have said on the value of reason, fairly appealed to, would fairly decide; character.' "On the contrary,' replied Went- but kept in the dark, and misled by false preworth, it confirms it; and I so entirely agree tences, there would be no end to the efforts, to with you, that ambitious as I am supposed to say nothing of the mean arts necessary to inbe, the summit of my ambition is to rule fluence their support. He added, indeed, that through that character. This only can gratify if Lord Oldcastle would acknowledge and act the best pride of a statesman, and for this, upon these principles, he would have no objec if I mistake not, the state is preparing itself. tion to act with him; but he owned, that, There may yet be years of impurity to throw from their very different opinions upon the "Yet, generosity, so far from militating off, and of corruptions to cure; there may even science of government, he had little hope of gainst wisdom, even in politics, may be be a great crisis, and things may be worse that cordiality of union which alone would made one of the most powerful, as it surely before they are better. The Clevelands and make a treaty between them advisable. Lord is one of the most delightful means of governing even the Claytons may gain the upper-hand; Oldcastle received this answer with alarm, a state, even through party.' I rejoice to but depend upon it, the time will come, nay, mixed with something like contempt. He hear this from you,' replied De Vere; you perhaps is not far off, when a first minister said to his confidents, that Mr. Wentworth who have so much experience, and cannot may find that his character will be as firm was a warm-headed visionary, with no more therefore, like us visionary people, be led away a support as his ability; when sincerity of knowledge than a child in the art of govern by mere theory.' I am not one of those,' heart and openness of manner may do as much ing, and totally ignorant of the character of returned Wentworth, who think that all for a Chancellor of the Exchequer, as his his countrymen, who had too little virtue government consists in mystery; that states- figures; and when a Secretary of State who themselves to be so elevated in the scale of men, to be such, must always be calculating, promotes English interests, without being too political existence; that public opinion was a always spreading nets, never candid, never tenderly alive to every brawl of the Continent, good thing, could you come at it; but that primagnanimous. On the contrary, I see no will govern with more facility than all the vate views, passion, and faction, for ever prereason why the high qualities that elevate Machiavels we have ever heard of.' De Vere vented it from being really known, and he private life, should not equally govern public pressed his friend heartily by the hand at this therefore knew no where else to look for it conduct; nay, I am convinced that even with speech, and pleased himself with the hope that except in the majorities of the two houses of a view to mere self-interest, it were better so. it might be prophetic. I feel it here,' cried parliament. It was clear that statesmen who In fact, a character for honesty and generosity Wentworth, putting his hand to his breast; so widely differed, could never come together. will do the statesman more good than all the I see it in vision, though I may not live The treaty ended; and meanwhile the adcunning and coldness in the world." to know it in reality. The spread of knowledge ministration had been so constantly changing, and wealth must have its natural effect; the and in a crisis which required the utmost wisking will realise Temple's picture of the man dom there had been so little stability, that the of his people: and ministers, as you often wish, sovereign himself, who had the most truly will govern for the people, not for themselves.' British heart in all his dominions, felt and Nothing could be more consonant to all the deferred to the more liberal policy of Went"Eloquence is sometimes commanding, best hopes of De Vere; and his patriotism was worth. In truth, England itself was changed, always dazzling,' said Wentworth, warming delighted to find that a man, though a minister, though so insensibly, that hackneyed politicians towards a gift with which he was himself so might be patriotic; nor was the impression had not discovered it. The amazing spread eminently endowed. I do not undervalue it,' weakened, when Wentworth proceeded to say, of improvement of all kinds, in knowledge, in returned De Vere; but after all that has been that if ever he returned to power, it would be wealth, in real independence (different from said of the insincerity of statesmen and the his pride to rally round him the best spirits of the turbulence of earlier times, but in so far, venality of senates, I am not such a stranger to the country, without regard to the old arts only more to be respected), had made its inthe character of my countrymen, as not to have of governing. They must be young,' said habitants a new people, while the ministers of seen that for eloquence to have weight it must he, and new to things, and not hackneyed those days still governed that people as they be set off by honesty, and that an eloquent in the trammels which Lord Oldcastle knows would have governed the old. The long reach rogue is but an eloquent rogue after all.' Went- are ruining him, and yet has not the firmness of mind, the genius, and the daring of Wentworth smiled, but De Vere went on: Yes, to break through.' worth, had discovered this; it was seconded with but little experience, I have yet made out "The specious eloquence of Lord Oldcastle by his heart, and in that heart he had fondly that character is, upon the whole, what bears could not conceal the danger to his power, conceived the character of a patriot minister. the English statesman through; at least, that occasioned by his timid and vacillating policy. It must be owned, that in this he went before character without rhetoric will beat rhetoric He had employed the means to strengthen it the age; but we owe it to him, that with all without character.' I at least honour you for which had usually been resorted to by most of the usual cries of faction which have been this,' said Wentworth ; yet am I far from his predecessors; he had addressed himself to raised against succeeding ministers, the chathinking that the independent votes which the great families, made the crown_rain influ-racters of public men have been wholly changed; really make the statesman proud, are not to be ence, and endeavoured to buy off the most and that for many years we have been gofound among those who follow a particular active of his opponents, by offering them any verned with a purity, a disregard to self, and connexion, or are only to be found where share they pleased of what alone he supposed a sincere attention to the public weal, which, perhaps you only look for them-among the them to aim at-place. But he knew not the while they make high-minded ambition still members for counties. As we are in the men he had to deal with, nor from the school more honourable, would, half a century ago. Pyrenees, and not in the atmosphere of West- in which he had been bred did he know that have been thought Utopian." minster, to you I may say it, that there is not ambition might be a patriotic and generous, as only as much party-spirit, but as much pro- well as a personal and self-interested, passion. stration among the greatest country gentlemen He knew not that there might be other motives for aspiring after power than the mere love of it. In particular, he knew not the real cha、

"Thank God, there are in Britain no Bastiles, no banishments à ses terres and the sovereign himself often looks wistfully to his opposition, as a protection against his adminis

tration."

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<< In wit a man, simplicity a child."

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"The appointment of Mr. Wentworth to the ministry gave an entire new face to the political world. High matters were in agitation, fraught with nothing less than a nation's weal; and perhaps there could not be a prouder

point of pre-eminence than that on which Mr. Queen Anne experience from the Tories them-Death's Doings: consisting of numerous OriWentworth stood. It is the observation of selves? Even envy lurks among these friends,