inclination or dislike; it is possible that they
may fix their affection upon objects not in the highest degree worthy of
their regard, and overlook others that may boast of greater excellencies
and more shining merit; but this is not to be supposed without proof,
and the regard of the king, as of any other man, is one argument of
desert more than he can produce, who has endeavoured after it without
effect.

This imputed usurpation must be proved upon him either by his own
confession, or by the evidence of others; and it has not been yet
pretended that he assumes the title of _prime minister_, or indeed, that
it is applied to him by any but his enemies; and it may easily be
conceived how weakly the most uncorrupted innocence would be supported,
if all the aspersions of its enemies were to be received as proofs
against it.

Nor does it appear, my lords, that any other evidence can be brought
against him on this head, or that any man will stand forth and affirm
that either he has been injured himself by this gentleman, or known any
injury done by him to another by the exertion of authority with which he
was not lawfully invested; such evidence, my lords, the laws of our
country require to be produced before any man can be punished, censured,
or disgraced. No man is obliged to prove his innocence, but may call
upon his prosecutors to support their accusation; and why this
honourable gentleman, whatever may have been his conduct, should be
treated in a different manner than any other criminal, I am by no means
able to discover.

Though there has been no evidence offered of his guilt, your lordships
have heard an attestation of his innocence, from the noble duke who
spoke first against the motion, of whom it cannot be suspected that he
would, voluntarily, engage to answer for measures which he pursued in
blind compliance with the direction of another. The same testimony, my
lords, can I produce, and affirm with equal truth, that in the
administration of my province, I am independent, and left entirely to
the decisions of my own judgment.

In every government, my lords, as in every family, some, either by
accident or a natural industry, or a superiour capacity, or some other
cause, will be engaged in more business, and treated with more
confidence than others; but if every man is willing to answer for the
conduct of his own province, there is all the security against
corruption that can possibly be obtained; for if ever