public to whose welfare his youth had been dedicated. Surely that principle of humanity, which stimulates those in power to commiserate in this manner the situation of neglected merit, possesses a nobleness, a generosity, a benevolence, which instead of incurring the censure of any, ought to command the admiration and praise of all.
"I repeat then, that it is not this treaty, it is the Earl of Shelburne alone whom the movers of this question are desirous to wound. This is the object which has raised this storm of faction; this is the aim of the unnatural coalition to which I have alluded. If however the baneful alliance is not already formed, if this ill-omened marriage is not already solemnized, I know a just and lawful impediment, and, in the name of the public safety, I here forbid the banns."[1]
At half-past three in the morning, the House divided, when the numbers were found to be, Government 190, Opposition 207. On receiving the intelligence of the result the King at once wrote to Shelburne:—
"I cannot help writing, on coming home and receiving Mr. Secretary Townshend's note with the list of speakers and the numbers of the division this morning, just to express that I am sorry that it has been my lot to reign in the most profligate age, and when the most unnatural coalition seems to have taken place, which can but add confusion and distraction among a too-much-divided nation.
"Lord Shelburne's letter, containing the sentiments of the gentlemen in high office in the House of Commons on the unnatural and factious coalition of adverse parties to my present Ministry, gives me great concern, though after the event of last night it does not surprise me. Had my immediate presence been necessary, I should have instantly set out for town; but as I think it proper Lord Shelburne should have seen all the effective Cabinet Counsellors before he speaks fully to me, there cannot be the smallest necessity for my coming till
- ↑ Parliamentary History, xxiii. 550-553.
