fend this belief he thought too honourable to the memory of George IV., and too confirmatory of the Duke of Wellington's assertion, to be omitted on the present occasion.[1]—Mr. Watson, who had not
- ↑ In accordance with his Grace of Wellington's observation, and with the remarkable opinion of the learned individual just mentioned, we give the ensuing extract from the Address of the President, the Bishop of Salisbury, to the Royal Society of Literature, at their anniversary meeting, April 28th, 1831. [Given from the Supplement to the Gentleman's Magazine. Part 1st for that year.]
Adverting to the loss which the Society had sustained in the decease of its munificent founder and patron, King George IV., he took occasion to enumerate some of the more important services rendered by the deceased Monarch to the cause of Literature.
His Majesty's attention to the interests of Literature and sound learning,—an attention called forth by the genuine bias of his cultivated taste and classical accomplishments—was evinced as early as the year 1706, by his donation of two gold and two silver medals to the scholars of Winchester; the former for the best English composition, the latter for the encouragement of eloquence.
The King was a contributor to the building of St. David's College; and this benefit to the interests of Religion and Learning was subsequently augmented by some valuable endowments bestowed upon that Institution.
That meritorious charity, the Literary Fund, has, at various times, largely partaken of the munificence of the late Sovereign.
It was by his Majesty's order, that the work "De Doctrina Christiana," &c., discovered in the State Paper Office, in 1823, and ascribed (though, in Lordship's opinion, erroneously) to Miiton, was translated and published.
