illustrate what the subject of discussion does not resemble—­they are forced and without much point; but when Mr. Lowe likens our Reform Bill to the “monstrum infelix,” and hopes it will not succeed in penetrating the “muros” of the Constitution (isn’t that pretty nearly what he said?) there is wit and point in the quotation. [63]

[63] Gladstone, in his apologetic introductory speech, had declared that no one could regard the Bill as a Trojan horse, which the Government was introducing surreptitiously within the citadel of the Constitution.  “We cannot say: 

  “’Scandit fatalis machina muros
  Foeta armis.’”
  (The fated engine climbs our walls, big with arms.)

Mr. Lowe retorted: 

“That was not a very apt quotation; but there was a curious felicity about it which he [Mr. Gladstone] little dreamt of.  The House remembers that, among other proofs of the degree in which public opinion is enlisted in the cause of Reform, is this—­that this is now the fifth Reform Bill which has been brought in since 1851.  Now, just attend to the sequel of the passage quoted by the right honourable gentleman: 

“’O Divum domus Ilium et inclyta bello Mcenia Dardanidum!  Quater ipso in limine portae Sustitit, atque utero sonitum quater arma dedere.’  (O Troy, house of gods and Dardanian city famous in war! four times in the very gateway it stood, and four times the clash of arms sounded in its womb.)

    “But that is not all: 

“’Instamus tarn en immemores, caecique furore, Et monstrum infelix sacrata sistimus arce.’  (Yet we, thoughtless and blind with enthusiasm, urged it on, and in our hallowed citadel stationed the ill-omened monster.)”

    Mr. Charles Dickens to Lady Russell

    GLASGOW, April 17, 1866

MY DEAR LADY RUSSELL,—...In sending my kindest regards to Lord Russell, let me congratulate you on the culminating victory before him, and on the faith and constancy with which the country carries him in its great heart.  I have never felt so certain of any public event as I have been from the first that the national honour would feel itself stung to the quick if he were in danger of being deserted....

    Dear Lady Russell,

    Ever faithfully yours,

    CHARLES DICKENS

    LONDON, April 19, 1866

Political prospects not brightening.  John and his Ministry will be in such an honourable position, whether they stand or fall, that no serious danger threatens the country if they fall.  My only anxiety is lest John should be disappointed and depressed; and it was with a sense of relief of which he was little aware that I heard him say yesterday of his own accord, as he looked out of window at the bright sunshine, “I shall not be very sorry—­it’s such fine weather to go out in.”

    LONDON, June 19, 1866