preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.

Lord TALBOT then resumed:--My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.

Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.

Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
restrain me.

I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.

When I reflect, my lords, on the distresses of my country, when I
observe the security and arrogance of those whom I consider as the
authors of the publick miseries, I cannot always contain my resentment;
I may, perhaps, sometimes start out into unbecoming transports, and
speak in terms not very ceremonious of such abandoned, such detestable--
But as this is, perhaps, not the language of the house, I shall
endeavour to repress it, and hope that the bounds of decency have never
been so far transgressed by me that I should be exposed to the censure
of your lordships.

Lord ABINGDON next rose, and said:--My lords, the present motion is
undoubtedly just, but by no means necessary, or particularly adapted to
the present time. It contains a general principle, uncontested, and
established; a principle which this assembly has never denied, and from
which I know not that it has ever departed.

A