ut its brief but eccentric and tumultuous annals we
see continual proof, how important is that knowledge "in which lay Lord
Shaftesbury's strength." In twenty-four months we find an aristocracy
estranged, without a people being conciliated; while on two several
occasions, first, the prejudices, and then the pretensions of the middle
class, were alike treated with contumely. The public was astonished
at hearing of statesmen of long parliamentary fame, men round whom the
intelligence of the nation had gathered for years with confidence, or
at least with interest, being expelled from the cabinet in a manner not
unworthy of Colonel Joyce, while their places were filled by second-rate
soldiers, whose very names were unknown to the great body of the people,
and who under no circumstances should have aspired beyond the government
of a colony. This administration which commenced in arrogance ended
in panic. There was an interval of perplexity; when occurred the most
ludicrous instance extant of an attempt at coalition; subordinates were
promoted, while negotiations were still pending with their chiefs; and
these negotiations, undertaken so crudely, were terminated in pique; in
a manner which added to political disappointment personal offence. When
even his parasites began to look gloomy, the duke had a specific that
was to restore all, and having allowed every element of power to escape
his grasp, he believed he could balance everything by a beer bill. The
growl of reform was heard but it was not very fierce. There was yet time
to save himself. His grace precipitated a revolution which might have
been delayed for half a century, and never need have occurred in
so aggravated a form. He rather fled than retired. He commenced his
ministry like Brennus, and finished it like the tall Gaul sent to murder
the rival of Sylla, but who dropped his weapon before the undaunted gaze
of his intended victim.

Lord Marney was spared the pang of the catastrophe. Promoted to a high
office in the household, and still hoping that, by the aid of his party,
it was yet destined for him to achieve the hereditary purpose of his
family, he died in the full faith of dukism; worshipping the duke and
believing that ultimately he should himself become a duke. It was under
all the circumstances an euthanasia; he expired leaning as it were on
his white wand and babbling of strawberry leaves.

Book 1 Chapter 4

"My dear Charles," said Lady Marney t