had little reason to be fond of, to put an end[80]
to the progress she had made towards a peace, and
dissolve her Parliament; or, on the other side, by
removing one person from so great a trust, to get
clear of all her difficulties at once: Her Majesty
therefore determined upon the latter, as the shorter
and safer course; and during the recess at Christmas,
sent the Duke a letter, to tell him she had no farther
occasion for his service.[81]
[Footnote 77: P. Fitzgerald says “immense.”
[W.S.J.]]
[Footnote 78: P. Fitzgerald adds “being
in his nature the most timorous person alive.”
[W.S.J.]]
[Footnote 79: P. Fitzgerald says “sibique.”
[W.S.J.]]
[Footnote 80: P. Fitzgerald says “to complete.”
[W.S.J.]]
[Footnote 81: See the Duchess of Marlborough’s
narrative of this transaction in the “Account
of her Conduct,” etc., pp. 264-269, where
his Grace’s letter to the Queen, on his dismission
from her service, is printed. [N.]]
There hath not perhaps in the present age been a clearer
instance to shew the instability of greatness which
is not founded upon virtue; and it may be an instruction
to princes, who are well in the hearts of their people,
that the overgrown power of any particular person,
although supported by exorbitant wealth, can by a
little resolution be reduced in a moment, without
any dangerous consequences. This lord, who was,
beyond all comparison, the greatest subject in Christendom,
found his power, credit, and influence, crumble away
on a sudden; and, except a few friends or followers,
by inclination, the rest dropped off in course.
From directing in some manner the affairs of Europe,
he descended to be a member of a faction, and with
little distinction even there: that virtue of
subduing his resentments, for which he was so famed
when he had little or no occasion to exert it, having
now wholly forsaken him when he stood most in need
of its assistance; and upon trial was found unable
to bear a reverse of fortune, giving way to rage, impatience,
envy, and discontent.
***** ***** *****
***** *****
YEARS OF THE QUEEN.
The House of Lords met upon the second day of January,
according to their adjournment; but before they could
proceed to business, the twelve new-created peers
were, in the usual form, admitted to their seats in
that assembly, who, by their numbers, turned the balance
on the side of the court, and voted an adjournment
to the same day with the Commons. Upon the fourteenth
of January the two Houses met; but the Queen, who
intended to be there in person, sent a message to inform
them, that she was prevented by a sudden return of
the gout, and to desire they would adjourn for three
days longer, when Her Majesty hoped she should be able
to speak to them. However, her indisposition still
