Then Aberdeen presented the Greek papers, and, having explained their contents, stated the change of circumstances since Friday night.  He represented Leopold as having made preliminary objections on other points, but none on any but money since February 20, when he accepted.  Within these few days other grounds have been taken, and the abdication is on these other grounds.

There was much movement amongst the Opposition.  Aberdeen was accused of unfairness.  Lord Durham opened the fire, and I prevented Aberdeen from answering him.  The others—­Darnley, Lord Londonderry, and Lord Winchelsea, all for Leopold.  In short there is a general union of all those who prefer the rising to the setting sun.  We shall have a personal debate.

We went into E. Retford.  I sat by the Chancellor, and worked the Bill for the King’s relief.

In the House of Commons little was said upon these points.  Aberdeen did well.  He can make a biting speech as well as any one, and in a quiet way.

May 25.

The King passed yesterday uncomfortably.  He was a little relieved by medicines during the night.  Water is forming again.

House.  The Chancellor explained very well the objects and details of the King’s Relief [Footnote:  Relieving him from the necessity of constant signatures.] Bill.  The only objections made were to reading it to-morrow, and it was conceded that it should be read on Thursday—­to its duration, and it was conceded that should last a month.  Lord Grey, I hear, says it is too complicated, that it would have been better to appoint a Custos Regni.  I hope he will say that on Thursday.

There is but little hope of the King’s living till the Bill is passed.

May 26.

Hardinge, whom I met in the Park, told me Sir J. Graham informed him there was to be an opposition a l’outrance.  That Lord Anglesey was to be Minister Lord Grey would serve with him.  Palmerston was to be made a great man of.  Huskisson to have nothing but revenge.  The Duke of Richmond was to be had at all events.  All this is childish.

House.  I expected nothing but the Chancellor’s Bill, and went at half-past five, expecting to find Eldon in the midst of his speech; but I found Lord Durham talking about Greece, and soon engaged in the talk myself.  Lord Grey was decidedly in opposition.  I called the attention of the House to this, that our conduct was to be judged of by the papers on the table—­the resignation of Leopold was not alleged to have taken place in consequence of any act of the Government.  If noble Lords chose to put on one side the conduct of the Government, and to make this a mere personal question as to the conduct of Leopold we were prepared to enter into the discussion.  In speaking of Leopold I said he ’was connected with this country by some of its dearest recollections.’