that the opposition are only fools, and by thus missing their treaty, will not appear knaves.  In the mean time, I have no doubt but the return of Lord Bute must produce confusion at court.  He and Grenville are both too fond of being ministers, not to be jealous of one another.  If what is said to be designed proves true, that the King will go to Hanover, and take the Queen with him, I shall expect that clamour (which you see depends on very few men,(556) for it has subsided during these private negotiations) will rise higher than ever.  The Queen’s absence must be designed to leave the regency in the hands of another lady:(557) connect that with Lord Bute’s return, and judge what will be the consequence!  These are the present politics, at least mine, who trouble myself little about them, and know less.  I have not been at the House this month; the great points which interested me are over, and the very stand has shut the door.  I might like some folks out, but there are so few that I desire to see in, that indifference is my present most predominating principle.  The busier world are attentive to the election at Cambridge, which comes on next Friday; and I think, now, Lord Sandwich’s friends have little hopes.  Had I a vote, it would not be given for the new Lord Hardwicke.

But we have a more extraordinary affair to engage us, and of which you particularly will hear much more,-indeed, I fear must be involved in.  D’Eon has published (but to be sure you have already heard so) a most scandalous quarto, abusing Monsieur de Guerchy outrageously, and most offensive to Messieurs de Praslin and Nivernois.(558) In truth, I think he will have made all three irreconcilable enemies.  The Duc de Praslin must be outraged as to the Duke’s carelessness and partiality to D’Eon, and will certainly grow to hate Guerchy, concluding the latter can never forgive him.  D’Eon, even by his own account, is as culpable as possible, mad with pride, insolent, abusive, ungrateful, and dishonest, in short, a complication of abominations, yet originally ill used by his court, afterwards too well; above all, he has great malice, and great parts to put the malice in play.  Though there are even many bad puns in his book, a very uncommon fault in a French book, yet there is much wit too.(559) Monsieur de Guerchy is extremely hurt, though with the least reason of the three; for his character for bravery and good-nature is so established, that here, at least, he will not suffer.  I could write pages to you upon this Subject, for I am full of it—­but I will send you the book.  The council have met to-day to consider what to do upon it.  Most people think it difficult for them to do any thing.  Lord Mansfield thinks they can—­but I fear he has a little alacrity on the severe side in such cases.  Yet I should be glad the law would allow severity in the present case.  I should be glad of it, as I was in your case last week; and considering the present constitution of things, would put the severity