■JOT V A U- / MEMOIRS N - OF THE LATTER YEARS OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES JAMES FOX. \ Di cui la fama ancor nel mondo dura E durera quanto '1 moto, lontana. Dante. by JOHN BERNARD TROTTER, Esq. LATB PRIVATE SECRETARY TO MR. FOX. Hontson : PRINTED FOR RICHARD PHILLIPS, NO. 7> NEW BRIDGE STREET j By GEORGE SIDaEY, Northnmbsrland Street, Strand. ■ 1811 G. Sidney, Printer, Northumberland Street, Strand. TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT. SIR, IN dedicating to your Royal High- ness a work which illustrates the private and public life, and describes the last mo- ments, of the late Right Honourable Charles James Fox, I feel a feeble degree of consolation, in turning from the mournful pages which close the volume, to the conside- ration that your Royal Highness will sym- pathize, with the author, in all those pas- sages which delineate the constancy, and IV tenderness in friendship, which invariably marked Mr. Fox through life, as ivell as in those which faintly pour tray his love for his country, his zeal for public liberty, and his thirst for knowledge I Your Royal Highness did not admit him to that distinguished share of your confidence and friendship, which soothed his moments of pain, without fully appreciating all his amiable and noble qualities ! Your Royal Highness will, I hope, in- dulgently pardon any warmth of expression, issuing from those feelings of enthusiam and sensibility, which unavoidably grow out of the subject upon which I have treated, and which is still too affecting, even after a lapse of five years, to admit of the calm- ness which is necessary to enable an author to submit himself to public criticism, I am bound also to intreat your Royal Highness s pardon, for thus intruding upon your Royal Highness, while engaged in the midst of so many public cares, and afflicted by so much domestic sorrow I Your Royal Highness will, however, I trust, impute my presumption to its just cause ; to my Knowledge of your refined, and constant attention to a dying friend, — of your anxiety for his repose, in moments when the world are too apt to neglect the departing sufferer, — of that interesting sen- sibility, which endears you so much to those who arc acquainted with you in the private circle, — and of your public virtues, which are VI drawing upon you the love, admiration, and t blessings of this great empire ! I am, Sir, With every sentiment of duty, Of profound respect, And unfeigned gratitude, Your Royal Highnesses Devoted and dutiful Servant, JOHN BERNARD TROTTER, Montalta, near Wicklow, August, 1811. PREFACE. f N laying before the Public a work, pur- porting to consist of Memoirs, or Biogra- phical Sketches, of a considerable part of the Life of the late Right Honourable Charles James Fox, I have no claim to approbation for a complete and entire work, as my acquaintance with that illustrious character did not commence till the evening of his days. Consequently, I have not at- tempted to give a full account of his ac- tions, or life: others may hereafter accom- plish that task ; mine is at present a less important and less extensive one. V1U I knew Mr. Fox, however, at a period when his glories began to brighten, — when a philosophical and noble determination had, for a considerable time, induced him to re- nounce the captivating allurements and amusements of fashionable life, — and when, resigning himself to rural pleasures, domes- tic retirement, and literary pursuits, he be- came a new man, or rather, more justly may I say, he returned to the solid enjoyment of a tranquil, yet refined, rural life, from which he had been awhile withdrawn, but had never been alienated. The more we consider the nature of Mr. Fox's education, (which, according to mo- dern views, might be deemed by many an excellent one, but had too much of incite- ment, and too little of discipline,) the more we must wonder^at, and respect the firm- ness and self- correction which he evinced during the last half of his life. Educated by a father who early saw, and admired, the IX talents of bis son, he was too soon brought forward into politics, and into a responsible situation. The great models of antiquity were not sufficiently considered ; but the natural partiality of the late Lord Holland goes far in excuse for his error respecting the education of his accomplished son. He did only what thousands have done, and are doing, unfavourable as are such errors, to the complete and advantageous develope- ment of a great character. The mind, like the oak, does not, or cannot, attain full per- fection, but by slow degrees. All prema- ture shoots, until the leading roots have deeply and firmly seized upon the soil, are in- jurious; and exhaust, or enfeeble, the nascent tree. It must be granted, too, that a com- mercial and luxurious nation, however great, is less favourable to the production of so extraordinary a character as that of Mr. Fox, than one in which simplicity and dis- interestedness would be the prevailing fea- tures. The powerful weight of mercantile in- terests in the councils of the English peo- ple, is decidedly adverse to the germination, expansion, and glory of genius. The no- blest and highest motives impelled Mr. Fox, in vain, to put forth his powers, to excite his country to what is wisest and most glori- ous, — to advise with prophetic force, and to argue with irresistible demonstration. He was not heard with interest, because there was nothing congenial in his arguments ; he was neither applauded nor rewarded, because his auditors had no faculty by which to estimate his merits ; and he returned home weary and disgusted. The views of mercenary politi- cians coincide rather with the declaiming ar- rogance of any man who has bartered the national welfare for mercantile support ; who has strengthened his party by the arti- ficial influence of commerce ; and, having satisfied his thirst for domination, leaves his country involved, his party in difficulties, and commerce itself languishing and ex- XI hausted, by the efforts which its avarice had tempted it to make, and which his incite- ments had contributed to extend. There is a strong similarity, not only in the style of oratory, but in the fortunes of De- mosthenes and Fox. The oratory of both was plain, but of mighty strength. Each appears to have thought more of his subject than his audience, — to have burst forth with demonstrative reasoning and facts, — and, trusting to the power of truth on the hearts of patriots, to have given the wisest councils, in the strongest and most vigorous manner. Demosthenes had the great advantage of speaking to a large and independent popular assembly. Fox spoke to one of too aristo- cratic, as well as commercial a cast, to expect the same effects from his eloquence. I have often admired the sweetness and equanimity of his temper in returning from the unavailing war of words, in which he Xll bore so super-eminent, but fruitless a part. Though fatigued with so many bar- ren struggles, although he distinctly saw the ruin preparing by a rash and obstinate mi- nister, for his country, no expression of bit- terness ever escaped him in private life ; the name of that minister was rarely, if at all, noticed by him, and never with acri- monv. His determination, when he se- ceded from parliament, to retire much from public life, until the misguided people saw the errors into which they were plunging, certainly arose from this hopeless scene of useless debate, — a determination which I have never ceased to regret he did not scru- pulously adhere to, as suitable to the grandeur of his character, his simplicity, and his indifference for power; at once bene- ficial to his health, and promising ultimate advantage to the state. Having enjoyed his private friendship, and been admitted into his domestic circle, Xlll at this period, I may be asked what were his preparations for debate ? I answer, — none! — I have often known him, when a debate was expected of importance, pursu- ing his usual studies, the day before, in poetry, history, botany, or natural history ; his conversation was the same ; his walks, and his inspection of his little farm, were unchanged; nor, as far as came within my observation, did he abstract himself from his family or ordinary society an hour, or a moment, for any preparation w T hen great debates were impending. His dispatches, which were compositions nothing inferior to his orations, and, I be- lieve, quite siii generis in England, he men- tally composed before they were committed to paper, when he wrote or dictated them with great facility. They, as well as his orations, were digested, I think, in a few moments of silent rapid reflection, and they then gave him no further anxiety. His me- XIV mory was so exquisitely powerful, that it supplied him with every subject matter he required for study ; and when other men were obliged to recur to books, he had only to apply to the sources of his mind, and pro- ceed in his argument or composition. Lord Holland, in his Preface to Mr. Fox's Historical Fragment, has dwelt rather too much upon his uncle's solicitude as to his- torical composition : Mr. Fox doubtless felt anxious to keep it distinct, as he ought, from oratorical delivery ; but I am inclined to think, that historic matter flowed from him, as his dispatches did, with facility and promptness. His manuscript of the Frag- ment, of which a good part is in his own hand-writing, has but very few corrections or alterations ; and his great anxiety (and very justly) appears to me to have re- garded facts, rather than style. I differ from the noble Editor with extreme regret on this point, as I have found myself oblig- XV ed to do in the following work on some others, Mr. Fox's singular modesty and sincerity may have led him to express dis- trust of himself; but his powers were too commanding to admit of hesitation or dif- ficulty in any species of composition to which he directed them. His letters are perfect in their kind, more agreeable (as they have nothing of his egotism) than those of Cicero, and more solid than those of Madame de Sevigne. Those which I have been able to present to the reader are models of English composi- tion, as well as valuable depositories of the critical opinions of Mr. Fox upon the most excellent authors of ancient and modern times. I am tempted to think, from the elegance and conciseness of all his compo- sitions, that his Historical Fragment was written under the disadvantage of his frame of mind, being somewhat affected by a tinge of melancholy, which produced in XVI so me parts a certain diffuseness, not other- wise likely to have taken place. Public affairs were so manifestly tending to a crisis when he wrote, and the minister had so much weakened and impaired the constitution, that Mr. Fox could not but grieve, — for his feelings were warm, and his mind of a truly patriotic cast ; and it was extremely natural, that, unsuspected by himself, something of this disposition of mind should be imparted to the work he had undertaken at that period. At such a time, and in that state of mind, travelling would have afforded better occu- pation to Mr. Fox than writing history ; but from that he was precluded : he was shut out from the continent by the French war, and in having recourse to history, (still continuing his exertions in favour of liberty) he shewed the generous struggles of a noble mind to serve his country and posterity in the only way left open to him ; and if a shade of melancholy pervades it, the source from whence it certainly sprung (for he was xvu easy in circumstances, and truly happy in domestic life) is the most honourable and venerable sentiment which can exist in the human breast, — grief for a wronged and un- happily misguided country ! In one grand point all his compositions, his letters, dispatches, historical work, and orations, beautifully harmonize, — I mean, in genuine Christian love for mankind, as fellow-creatures and friends. This will be found the uniform impulse through Mr. Fox's glorious life. In the work I offer to my readers, imperfect as it is, that great prin- ciple will appear to be clearly developed. It is singular, or at least is worthy of remark, that, although Mr. Fox knew nothing, or very little, of geometry, no man spoke or tyrote with more preci- sion ; his demonstrations were always ma- thematically correct and conclusive, and his Language was very r and free from all V xvin redundancy. That noble science indubitably aids and improves the powers of reasoning, and is of immense utility in life; yet Mr. Fox derived no assistance from it. There ran, however, be little doubt that his pro- gress in it would have been rapid, and that his logical faculty would have been strength- ened by it. About five or six years before his death, he expressed much regret to me at his ignorance of mathematics, and seemed then inclined to turn his attention to those sciences, and in particular to astronomy. It is very probable, that as he appeared to testify a strong inclination for mathematics, he would have applied to them, if he had con- tinued in retirement. His return to politics prevented this design, and suspended his History. The words of the noble Editor of the Frag- ment are very remarkable, as to Mr. Fox forgoing his original intention of retiring for a time from public life. " The remoR- XIX strances, however, of those friends, for whose judgment he had the greatest deference, ul- timately prevailed." Here is a proof, from the authority of Lord Holland, how re- luctant Mr. Fox was to abandon his inten- tion. I know that the basis of his deter- mination was a solid and grand one ; that occasionally at his breakfast-table we had a little discussion on this point, and that Mrs. Fox and myself uniformly joined in recom- mending retirement, until the people felt properly upon public affairs. I am sorry to be compelled to say, that the friends who " ultimately prevailed," calculated very ill upon political matters, and did not suffici- ently estimate the towering and grand cha- racter of Mr. Fox. Lord Holland also says, in his preface, u The circumstances which led him once more to take an active part in public dis- cussions, are foreign to the purposes of this preface." — Yet, either these circumstances b2 XX should have been explained, or not at all touched upon. I know, that the circum- stance which Mr. Fox had made indispen- sable in his original determination, had not occurred. A partial change of ministry had nothing to do with that general sensation of the people which Mr. Fox had looked to as the proper moment for his coming forward with benefit to his Sovereign and his country. There is an idea which will, perhaps, very- much elucidate the point, and make things plainer than the circumlocution of Lord Holland. The party wanted a leader! — It is very obvious to me, that to this very want may be attributed the solicitations which " ultimately prevailed" against Mr. Fox's better and undistorted judgment. I am happy to testify, that Mrs. Fox constantly endeavoured, as far as I had opportunity of observing, to fortify and confirm Mr. Fox in his wise and noble resolution ; and perse- XXI vered, even in despite of the warmth q{ party, which sometimes blamed her for de- taining him in retirement. It is, however, with considerable pain I have been led to condemn Lord Holland's forbearance and silence on this very interest- ing point, (certainly far more so than Mr. Fox's private opinion as to the minutiae of style) but there is something so august in his character, and my opportunities of knowing its value, were such rare ones, that I bend to the necessity of stating his- toric truth, as far as I can, even though forced to differ with the noble Lord, who INHERITS HIS NAME AND VIRTUES. Before I conclude this introductory Pre- face to the work I have undertaken, I feel it necessary to advert to the concluding pages of the noble Editor just mentioned. I would willingly suppress all private opinion, where I can do so with justice to my subject ; xxu but the inverse mode of reasoning to that adopted by his Lordship, appears to me to be the most just. Are the present race to go to the grave without further knowledge of Mr. Fox than that conveyed in the Preface to the Fragment ? Lord Holland says, " Those who admired Mr. Fox in pub- lic, and those who loved him in private, must naturally feel desirous that some me- morial should be preserved of the great and good qualities of his head and heart." Ought not this to be conclusive with all that great man's admirers and friends ? His Lordship justly complains of false accounts, and that very circumstance points out the necessity of something genuine and authentic ? Every one will not judge so clearly as Lord Holland ; because, that they do not know so much of Mr. Fox as he and his other intimate friends. The Preface says, " the objections to such an XXI 11 undertaking at present are obvious, and, after much reflection, they have appeared to those connected with him insuperable" I It never appeared to me that the task could be executed by any of Mr. Fox's own family with propriety ; but as one of the illustri- ous DEAD'S SINCERE AND DEVOTED FRIENDS, I never entered into any compact to abstain from giving the public any information I could upon the most interesting subject that can occupy the attention of all liberal and patriotic characters, of every lover of the human race, of science, of virtue, and of their country. I cannot compromise the interests of truth, and the venerable fame of him who is now no more ! his is truly the " Clarum et vencrabilc Nomen," Which to me shines as with the light of a beacon, to guide me through the maze of conflicting and complicated parties. Never XXIV shall I think of sparing the delicacy of poli- ticians, when the resplendent luminary from whom they borrowed their lights is con- cerned ; — no shadow, — no spot,— shall re- main upon his orb, if the honest touch of truth can remove it. If the good of an empire, and the wishes of millions for in- formation ; if the honour and name of Fox are concerned, I cannot stop to consider of wounding " the feelings of individuals." I shall suppress no truth, no circumstance. I stand before my country, not daring to be false, and I offer to the shade of Fox the imperfect, but genuine and unbiassed ho- mage of a faithful tribute to his memory. I cannot presume to think that the fol- lowing volume gives an adequate idea of the character of Mr. Fox. The early part of his life must at present remain a deside- ratum among his admirers. It is on its close only that I have, I hope, been peculiarly en- abled to throw a full and satisfactory degree XXV of light. In early youth, I understand Mr. Fox wasdistinguished by extraordinary application to study. He was abroad for a short time at the early age of fourteen, to which may be at- tributed, probably, that fluency, perfect un- derstanding, and good pronunciation of French, which most eminently marked him, amongst his coumrymen, and even French- men, at Paris. His knowledge of Italian was nearly as great, and probably to be attributed to the same cause. If I were to sketch the divisions of his life, I would form them into three parts: — His youth, warm and impetuous, but full of extraordi- nary promise. His middle age, energetic and patriotic. His latter days, com- mencing from the French revolution, sim- ple, grand, and sublime. The splendour of the last period pre- sents a picture of magnanimity and wis- dom of stupendous dimensions, and the most powerful effect. I have described his XXVI domestic life in this period. I have given to the world, his travels,-— a little of his public life, — and the closing scene not unworthy of the past life of Fox ! My readers will render justice to his memory, and excuse the faults and errors of this performance, in considering the difficul- ties which have attended the undertaking ; the scarcity of written documents to con- sult, and the painful recollections which have often suspended the work, and ren- dered its progress almost intolerable.-— I have, however, acquitted myself without any vain presumption, or expectation of applause, but with anxious and trembling solicitude, lest I may not have done justice to the grand and affecting subject. It is with no ordinary feelings of respect and diffidence that I intrude upon an intel- ligent public. I leave to their indulgent con- sideration the following effort to give them xxvn an outline of the latter part of the life of Mr. Fox, relying upon the words of the no- ble Editor of the Historical 1 ragment, that u those who admired Mr. Fox in public, and those who loved him in private, must naturallv feel desirous that some memorial should be preserved of the great and good qualities of his head and heart." ERRATA. Tlie Author's distance from the Press, it is to be hoped, will be received as an apology for those errors which may have escaped the vigilance of the printer. At pages 170 and 17 1? the reader is requested to alter Ariosta into Ariosto. Should this work meet with the favorable reception which the partiality of friends has led the author to expect, he me- ditates the plan of a work on the entire Public Life of Mr. Fox ; and with that view invites the communication of facts and original materials to the care of Sir Richard Phillips, No. 5, Buckingham-gate, London. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Vulgar prejudices relative to Mr. Fox — His superiority over Mr. Pitt — The mistakes and misfortunes of the latter — Character of Mr. Fox — Description of St. Anne's Hill — The author's impressions on arriving there — The happy retirement of Mr. Fox.... 1 to 14. CHAPTER II. Domestic habits of Mr. Fox — The author's obligation to record his virtues — Contrasted with Mr. Pitt — His love of nature — His amenity — His conjugal affection — His originality — The newspapers — His conversation — His political foresight— His invitation to the author—Departure for France — Impressions in Kent. 15 to 35. CHAPTER III. Reflections on approaching France— Reception at Calais— Independent conduct towards Mr. O'Connor — Singular distinction made by Sir Francis Burdett — Opinion of that baronet— Calais— St. Omer's ,, 36 to 50. XXX CHAPTER IV. Impressions on entering the Netherlands—Mr. Fox's knowledge of Agriculture— Delightful situation of Cassel— Revolutionary impiety— Joseph Andrews- Mrs. Fox — Tree of liberty 51 to 65. CHAPTER V. Lisle— Public respect paid to Mr. Fox — General O'Mara — Public dinner given to Mr. Fox— His diffidence — Ghent— Charles 5th— His retirement contrasted with that of Mr. Fox— Public homage to Mr. Fox — Antwerp— The iEneid— Mr. Fox's tenderness — His taste in poetry— Enlargement of France— Breda — Gardens of the Stadtholder— Impressions excit- ed by Holland — Utrecht— Industry and Liberty — Amsterdam — Haarlem — Leyden — The Hague — The Stadtholder— The De Witts— The jEn-id— Rotterdam— Bergen-op-zoom— Agriculture and com- merce— -Brussels— The iEneid— Lord Holland— M. Chauvelin— Lord Grenville— Barras— Mr. Walker's Tom Jones Gemappe Cambray Valenciennes — Ariosto— Tour to Constaadonople 66 to 176 CHAPTER VI. Observations on Mr. Fox's character — His opinion of Religion— Reflections on approaching Paris— Buona- parte compared to Augustus — Arrival at Paris — Hotel de Richelieu — Climate of Paris..,. 177 to 192. XXXI CHAPTER VII. 1 Attractions of Paris— The first Consul— His establish- ment for life— Character of Moreau— The new government — Miracles wrought by Mr. Pitt— Circu- lating medium of France— French theatre— Racine — Public honours paid to Mr.Fox — First consul at the theatre , 193 to 20G. CHAPTER VIII. The Louvre— French policy— Mr. Fox's feeling of paintings— His favourites— -His enthusiasm— Visit to Versailles— To the Petit trianon — General Fitzpa- trick— -Lord Robert Spencer— Marie Antoinette — Lord St. John— Mr. Adair — Bureau des affaires etrangers — Letters of Barillon — Intrigues of Louis and James , 207 to 225. CHAPTER IX. Visit to Tivoli — to the theatres — Mr. Fox's ear for mu- sic — Visit from Kosciusko — Description of that great man — M r. Fox's reception of him — Party to St. Cloud — Meudon — Madame Roland — Bellevue — Neuilly — Opera Francois — Visit to theThuillerics... 22G to 241. CHAPTER X. Conduct of Foreigners — The Levee— Second party to XXXU St. Cloud — Monsieur de Grave — Pleasant afternoon-^ Happiness of Mr. Fox — House of Murat — Visit to Talleyrand — His person, and that of Madame — His parties — Affairs of Switzerland 242 to 256, CHAPTER XI. The Consular review- —The great Levee — Mr. Merry-*— The Chevalier D'Azara--- The Turkish Ambassador — Count Markoff— -The Marquis Lucchesini The Marquis de Gallo — The Count Cobenzel— Mr. Liv- ingston — Cardinal Caprara — The Author's impress sions— Buonaparte— Le Brun — Cambaceres— Mr. Fox's introduction — Buonaparte's address to him — Lord Erskine— Lawyers have a low national rank— Their pursuits narrow and grovelling — Buonaparte's question to a young English officer— Description of Buonaparte— Reflections of the Author— Aloys Red- ing— Toussaint— English dinner party— Mr. Kemble — English manners — The Abbe Sieyes... 257 to 2/7» CHAPTER XII. Historical Researches — Charles, James, and Louis- Dinner at Talleyrand's- -IJuc d'Uzeze— Hauterive— Rcederer— Madame Talleyrand's circle— Count Co- benzel — The prince of Saxe Weimar — The Abbate' Casti— Brueys— Mr. Fox in a drawing room— Madame Buonaparte's drawing room — Her character — Visit to Helen Maria Williams— M. Perregaux's dinner 278 to 289. xxxiii CHAPTER XIII; Visit from M. de ia Fayette — His person, character, and pure patriotism — Similarity between him and Fox — His retirement — His invitation — General Fox — Interior of St. Cloud — Madame Recamier's dejeune — General Moreau— Eugene Beaaliarnois— -Interest- ing character ot Madame Recamier— French Acting — Seance of the tribunate— Hotel des Invalides — CHAPTER XIV. Exbition of national manufactures — The first Consul His interview with Mr. Fox — how opinion of the latter of the French government — Characteristics of Mr. Fox — Mr. Hare— M. de Narbonne — Mr. West and Mr. Opie— Madame Tallien's dinner— Mr. Arthur O'Conner Amusements M. Tallien — Buonaparte's dinner — His conversation— Mr. Fox's opinion of him — His charge against Mr. Windham — His political plans — Mr. Fox's impression w .,* .„..«.,..,. 306 to 317* CHAPTER XV. Visit to Fayette — His house at La Grange— -His family— Madame — His Daughters— Their heroism —General Fitzpatriek — Interesting trio of character* XXXIV bally Tollendal — The vincinity— Happiness of Mr. Fox — The pure and exalted character of Fayette —His innocent occupations 318 to 328. CHAPTER XVL Rumours of war — Amiable disposition of the French — Dinner at Berthier's — Berthier-~Massena— -Bougain- ville— Volney— -Conclusion of labours at the Archives — Mr. Fox's historical fragment— Its immaturity- Researches at Paris not incorporated— Author's opi- nions of the noble Editor— Description of Mr. Fox's labours at the Archives— The grand opera— Lawyers disagreeable every where — Notre dame — Pantheon — Another consular levee— Buonaparte's repeated questions 329 to 343. CHAPTER XVII. General results — Manners—Dress— Agriculture — Po- lice—Politeness—Amusements of the French- Government— Invigoration— Taxes — Simplification of the Laws — Suspicion — Jealousy— State prisons- Consequence of military state— Parting with Mr. and Mrs. Fox— Conclusion of the first part, 314 to 351. PART II. CHAPTER I. Consequences of the death of Mr. Pitt— Mr. Fox's determined retirement— Persuasions used to induce him to become part of a motley administration— The author's presentiments — Opinions in Ireland — Of Lady Moira— Her just views and exhortations — Her sensibility after Mr. Fox's death — Irish expectations — The author's forebodings — His arrival in London — Mr. Fox's health — Reflections — Patriotism of the King— Arduous duties of Mr. Fox — His exertions and assiduity— Confidence inspired by Mr. Fox- —Sir F. Vincent— -Mr. Fox's dress at court — The King's reception-— Intercourse between Mr. Fox and his Ma- jesty—The King's opinion of his conduct in office — Liberal forbearance of the Catholics — Statement of their case — Pressure of business — Mr. Fox's reli- ance on the conciliating character of the Duke of Bedford in Ireland — Policy of Messrs. Grattan, Pon- sonby, and their friends.......... 847 to 388; XXXH I CHAPTER II. Retirement to St. Anne's Hill — Lord Albemarle — Hi's Character, and that of Lady Albemarle — The Messrs. Porters — Proposed parallel of Fox and Fayette — His love of Literature — Euripides— Spencer — Chaucer — Asperity of Mr, Canning — Author's disappointment in Lord Holland's Preface — Mr. Fox's attention to old Friends — Mr. Curjan — Lord Holland — Mr. Fox's assiduity in business. »,»,..,.»..»»». »»»*>».»..». 389 to 404 CHAFrER III. Negotiations for Peace — Fox and Talleyrand — Sincerity of France — Lord Grenville — Feelings of Mr. Fox — Advantages resulting from his high Character — Transition... 405 to 411 CHAPTER IV. First announcement of illness — The jEneid— Dido— His sympathetic conduct at Holland-House — Increase of Disease Exercise Lord Fitzwiiliam His excellent character— The Prince of Wales— His xxxvn endearing attentions — Puke of Clarence — Duke of York — Miss Fox — Mrs, Fox— Crabbe's Poems- Mr. Sheridan — Mr. Grattan — Operation of Tapping — Derangement of the negotiation with France — Lord Lauderdale — Duke of Devonshire — Removal to Chis- wick House — His portrait there— Employments- Exercise — Return of Pittite feelings....,, 412 to 428 CHAPTER V. Increase of Disease — The iEneid — Sympathy of the Public — Consolations of a good conscience — Sum- mary of his virtues — General Fitzpatriek — Lord Robert Spencer— Mrs. Fox-— Duke and Duchess of Devonshire-* -Lords Grenville and Grey — Value of Mr. Fox's ideas on public affairs — Indifference of the Cabinet — Dignity of Fox — Second operation of Tap- ping — His self-possession and equanimity— Plan for improving medical science....,...,., 429 to 444 CHAPTER VI. Operation useless — Author and Mrs. Fox in constant attendance— Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Dryden— Lord Holland— General Fitzpatriek — Miss Fox— r XXXV1J1 Her Character — Alarming- symptoms — Solemnity of the Author's duty— Last employments of Mr. Fox — The Duchess of Devonshire's dressing-room — Awful impressions — Patience of Mr. Fox — No eauses for self-reproach , 445 to 454 CHAPTER VIL Determination to try Digitalis — The Author's forebodings — Advantages of removing to St. Anne's Hill — The History — His last opinions— Conduct of the Physi- cians— -Author's solicitude— His reluctance to ad- minister a strong remedy— Its alarming effects- Approaching dissolution— His calmness— His dying sentiment — His last words — His death... 465 to 46'S MISCELLANEOUS FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS. Event accompanying his death— His countenance after death— Cast taken from his face — Embalming — His religious opinions — The immortality of the soul— XXXIX Resignation to Providence — Dr. Parr's work— His body opened-— Observations thereon— Digitalis—- His ideas of burial— His last wishes— A public funeral resolved on— Vast concourse of mourners — Their cha- racter and affecting conduct— The procession to Westminster — Sympathy of the people— His grave- Reflections and antruish of the Author, 467 to 484 PART HI. LETTERS of Mr. FOX to the Author. LETTERS of GENERAL FAYETTE. } 43? MEMOIRS OF CHARLES JAMES FOX, CHAPTER f. TN recurring to the happy days when St. Anne's Hill possessed its benevolent and illustrious master, a gloom pervades my mind, which neither time, nor change of scene, has been able wholly to dissipate. Let me, however, suppress my feelings, and commence with the period of the year 1802, when Mr. Fox left his beloved spot, to visit the new, brilliant, and extraordinary scenes then opening in France. If it will not be deemed superfluous, (and can any thing be superfluous relating to that great man ?) I shall introduce to my reader an out- line of the domestic life of Mr. Fox, in that B 2 dignified retirement in which he had found true happiness, and in which those admirable talents, so capable of guiding and saving a nation, were devoted to the rational purpose of acquiring knowledge, and enlarg- ing a mind, already so powerful and capacious. The Vulgar, whose prejudices it is diffi- cult to efface, and who are more prone to depreciate than to make allowance for great characters, have long imagined, and even still continue to think, that Mr. Fox was a mere dissipated man of pleasure. This idea had been industriously cherished and propagated by a party, w T hose interested views were pro- moted, by keeping, from the councils of the nation, a man so eminently their superior. The unprincipled desires of selfish ambition had kept him out of stations for which nature had most eminently qualified him. Destined, as he appeared, for being the founder of a political school in England — capable of raising her in the opinion of other nations, it was his ill-fate to be opposed by a minister incapable of appreciating his merit, and un- willing to recommend it to the approbation of his sovereign ; though himself unfit to be premier, and indeed inadequate to fill any considerable department of the state, The calumny thus attached to Mr. Fox, and the selfish monopoly of power which exclud- ed him from the cabinet, have been pro- ductive of those enormous evils to the Eng- lish nation — which now threaten her very existence. Mr. Pitt, under the controul of an extensive and liberal genius, like that of Mr. Fox, might have been a useful minister of . finance ; but, in the regulation of the concerns of the world, his vigour was crea- tiveof destruction, and his imperious spirit, so unworthy a true statesman, was prejudicial to liberty abroad, and dangerous to it at home. The financial dictator of Downing- street was unfit to cope with the consum- mate military and diplomatic characters who had arisen upon the Continent ; and, it is very probable that his father, Lord Chatham, a man great through the weakness of, France, would have been foiled in such a contest ; certainly not with so much dis- grace, but, perhaps, with equal misfortune, to the country. The most mischievously fatal error which a statesman can be guilty of, is to use coercive severity in direct opposition to the bent of human nature. The re-action produced, countervails all common plans ; and the supremacy over clerks, secretaries, and members of parliament, affords dangerous data on which to ground expectation, when foreign nations are the subjects of fancied management. An enlarged, and an arrogant mind, are essentially different as to their views, and the comprehensiveness of their operations. To superficial or selfish obser- vers their plans may seem, for a while, simi- lar ; but those of the latter are productive of discomfiture, and fertile in disgrace. I have, however, no desire to stigmatize one of these personages to elevate the other ! Both rest in the grave : — but I should deem it derogatory to Mr. Fox's memory, if I paid any posthumous compliments to the character and talents of a minister, of whom the best that can be said is, that he failed through ignorance, and ruined his country through mistake. Facts are decisively against him, and the historian who describes them will find, that he misunderstood the law of nations, and that for temporary purposes, and limited objects, he violated the great principles of society, and at- tempted to produce results which historical reasoning, the nature of man, and the voice of religion, forbad him to expect. There is no political associate of that mistaken minister, possessing any independent qualities of mind, who, if he now dispassionately recon- sider the affairs of the last twenty years, but will be forced to avow his own delusion, and acknowledge that the irreparable mis- chiefs of a pernicious, and obstinately- pursued system, more congenial to vulgar prejudices, than agreeable to grand state maxims, have brought on a change of poli- tical relations, on the continent, directly militating against the pretensions of Great Britain to rank as a primary nation. The passions of the vulgar made and kept Mr. Pitt minister ; but the vulgar them- selves are daily receiving convincing proofs how little value they have got for their 6 money, and that they are likely to obtain still less for the little which has been left to them. The factitious honors of that dangerous elevation of man, called place — generated a forced applause of that minister, after the death of Mr. Fox, which was to me extreroely disgusting. There could be no approximation between the characters of a genuine and benevolent statesman, and an arrogant and unfortunate minister, whose boasted merit any ingenious banker, or skil- ful accomptant, might easily have rivalled. It would have been better, much better, to have told the abused people of England the extent of their misfortunes, and to have denounced the guilty author of them. The incense paid to the manes of Mr. Pitt derogate from the value of Mr. Fox ; and, for my part, I cannot admire the com- parative approbation offered by the lat~ ter's coJieagues in office, or by that cele- brated poet, whose charming lays ravish our applause in modern times, but whom the various accomplishments, as a scholar, a genius, anexcellent critic in poetry, of Charles James Fox, should long ago have converted^ and thus have prevented him from commit- ting the absurdity of placing, in the same temple pictures so grossly ill-matched, or of arranging in a cabinet a jewel of inesti- mable value, beside the glaring, but light and perishable composition which assumed its semblance. When I first had the happiness of know- ing Mr. Fox, he had retired, in a great mea- sure, from public life, and was inclining towards the evening of his days. A serene and cloudless magnanimity, respecting the pur- suit of power, raised him to an enviable feli- city. His habits were very domestic, and his taste for literature peculiarly strong, as well as peculiarly elegant. His love for a country life, and all its simple and never-fatiguing charms, was great. His temper disposed him to enjoy, and never to repine. Had his great powers been employed for the benefit of man- kind, in literary composition, and researches after knowledge, instead of exhausting them in useless debates, w hen the issue of the contest was always anticipated, and when prejudice and interest gave to a declaiming minister a 8 superiority, which Reason, poured forth with all the energy and variety of a Demosthenes, could never obtain, the world, and Europe in particular, would have reaped advantages which his country blindly rejected ; and that great mind, which made little impres- sion upon a disciplined oligarchical senate, would more efficaciously have operated upon the philosophers, the statesmen, and the pa- triots of Europe. A*: a time of life when other men become more devoted to the pursuits of ambition, or to that mean and universal passion, ava- i'kv ; and vvnen their characters accordingly become rigid and unproductive of new sentiments, Mr. Fox had all the sensibility and freshness of youth, w r ith the energetic glow of manhood in its prime. Know- levir-e of the world had not at all hardened or disgusted him.* He knew men, and he pitied, rather than condemned them. It was singular to behold such a character in Eng- land, whose national characteristic is rather philosophic reasoning than the sensibility of genius. When I first beheld St. Anne's Hill, the impression was the most agree- able I had ever received. Every thing recalled to my mind the stories of Greece and Rome. I saw a man of a noble family, eminent for his genius and talents — an ora- tor of unrivalled powers — the friend of li- berty — the encourager of the fine arts — the classical scholar — I saw him retired to the lovely rural spot he had chosen, and said within me, " This is a character of anti- quity ; here is genuine greatness." I en- tered his modest mansion, and found the picture of a youthful mind realized. St. Anne's Hill is delightfully situated ; it commands a rich and extensive pros- pect, the house is embowered in trees, resting on the side of a hill : its grounds decline gracefully to a road, which bounds them at bottom. Some fine trees are grouped round the house, and three remarkably beau- tiful ones stand in the lawn ; while a pro- fusion of shrubs are throughout distributed, with taste and judgment. Here Mr. Fox was the tranquil and happy possessor of about thirty acres of land, and the inmate of a 10 small but pleasant mansion. The simplicity and benignity of his manners, speaking the integrity and grandeur of his character, soon dispelled those feelings of awe which one naturally experiences on approaching what is very exalted. I speak of the year 1798, when coercion was the systematic means of compressing the public mind; but is believed, by many to have been an artful mode of strengthen- ing ministerial power, by that goading kind of vigor, which drives men to warmth and violence, in the expressing their feel- ings in favour of the constitution and law. The vindication of that system stands to this day wholly upon assertion. The un- happy country to which I have the honor and misfortune to belong, was then suffering under this reign of terror. An enthusiastic party aimed at a visionary republic. The ex- ample of republican France had heated their imaginations, and led their understandings astray. A wise statesman, by proper conces- sion to all, and a just restoration of rights to Ca- tholics, might have disarmed the nascent con- 11 spiracy, and arrayed Ireland, far more power- fully than in 1782, in favour of Great Britain : but the same narrowness of mind, and po- verty of genius, which coerced at home, under the joint ministry of Lord Grenville and Mr. Pitt, tyrannized in Ireland, under the direc- tion of unprincipled men, in whose eyes a nation's happiness was trifling compared with the gratification of their subordinate ambi- tion. Having at this period formed no very decided opinions on politics, and in parti- cularupon Irish affairs, I approached the great statesman, who, in retirement, mourned over the growing miseries he clearly foresaw, but could not prevent, with sentiments of ad- miration and respect, which progressively increased, till that melancholv hour when, several years afterwards, I saw him breathe his last. When I first visited St. Anne's Hill, the summer was yet young, and all the freshness of nature was upon that beautiful spot : its sloping glades were unparched by autumnal suns — the flowers and shrubs were redolent with sweets, and the full choir of birds, 12 which burst from every tree and shady recess, filled the heart with gladness, and with that reviving sentiment of pleasure, which is felt by minds of sensibility at that period. The rich expanse of cultivated country ; the mea- dows, corn, woods, and villages, till the sight caught the far distant smoke of London ; the graceful Thames, winding below the hill, which was the interesting residence of Eng- land's greatest character, gave a magical, but not delusive, effect to all I saw. This picture of serenity and rural happiness, when the rash and imperious councils of the En- glish Cabinet were every where producing discord, and laying the foundation of French aggrandizement, was sufficiently striking to impress the imagination in a most powerful manner ; and the long series of calamities which followed — blood, devastation and torture, in Ireland ; — suspension of consti- tution in England ; — overthrow of ancient continental kingdoms, — and the continually and fearfully augmenting power of regene- rated France, subsequently gave to the feel- ings of that moment a prophetic stamp, which has been confirmed to a degree 13 that is astonishing, even to those who, in the commencement of his crusade, dreaded the effects, and foretold many of the conse- quences, of Mr. Pitt's measures. This period of retirement, abstracting the anguish he must have felt for the miseries of the world, was, I am satisfied, the happiest period of Mr. Fox's life. Assuredly the only proper part for a truly great man, if he can- not advantageously influence thecouncils of his country, is in complete retirement to devote himself to the cultivation of his mental pow- ers, and to wait for that sentiment of convic- tion arising in the people, which ultimately, under a free constitution, becomes irresis- tible. It was upon this principle Mr. Fox acted, and would, I am persuaded, have con- tinued to act, had not the powerful ties of friendship, which bound his susceptible heart, drawn him again into the fatal vortex of politics. In what degree it is to be regretted, that this inestimable man should ultimately, by his return to parliamentary warfare, and final accession to power, along with Lord Grenville, have injured his health, and some- 14 what diminished the lustre of his reputation, the future historian will mark with care — his friends with deep but fruitless sorrow, — and the public, through a long course of cala- mity opening before them, — will hereafter unavailingly acknowledge ! CHAPTER II. r jpHE domestic life of Mr. Fox was equally regular and agreeable. In summer he rose between six and seven : in winter before eight. The assiduous care, and excellent management, of Mrs. Fox, rendered his rural mansion the abode of peace, elegance, and order, and had long procured her the gratitude and esteem of those private friends, whose visits to Mr, Fox, in his retirement at St. Anne's Hill, made them witnesses of this ami- able woman's exemplary and endearing con- duct. I confess I carried with me some of the vulgar prejudices respecting this great man. How completely was I undeceived ! After breakfast, which took place between eight and nine in summer, and at a little after nine in winter, he usually read some Italian vautbor with Mrs. Fox, and then spent the time 16 preceding dinner at his literary studies, in which the Greek poets bore a principal part. A frugal, but plentiful dinner took place at three, or half past two, in summer, and at four in winter ; and a few glasses of wine were followed by coffee. The evening was dedicated to walking and conversation till tea time, when reading aloud, in history, commenced, and continued till near ten. A light supper of fruit, pastry, or something very trifling, finished the day; and at half past ten the family were gone to rest ; and the next, and succeeding dawn ushered in the same order and elegance, and found the same content, the same happiness, and the same virtuous and useful life. " A life so sacred, such serene repose Seemed Heaven itself," Alas, those scenes are for ever closed ; that heart which throbbed with every fine feeling is cold ; — those private virtues which made St. Anne's Hill so delightful, those public ones, which might have benefited mankind, are lost. It is with pain and reluctance I go on ; but the dictates of friendship and 17 truth ought to be obeyed. One small record, unmixed with, and uncontrolled by, party motives, shall afford to posterity, if it survive, some means, though imperfect, of appreciat- ing the private character of the most illus- trious, but often the most calumniated, of public men in the eighteenth century. No monument yet marks a, nation s gratitude to- wards him; and the all-prevailing ascendency of the system which Lord Bute, Lord North, and Mr. William Pitt, successively defended and propagated, has stifled every parliamen- tary expression of respect and veneration for the memory of Charles James Fox ; whilst a successful skirmish, or a dubious battle, unites all parties in conferring honours and rewards ! Nor do I think it is one mo- ment to be admitted, that so unfortunate a politician, as his parliamentary rival, could have been Mr. Fox's coadjutor in office : their principles were diametrically opposite: the one was a practical lover of arbitrary power, and in his own person exercised it too long for the glory of his sovereign, or the happiness of his people : the other was a sin- cere friend to a limited monarchy, which is c 18 the only species of government recognized by the Bntish constitution ; was a benevolent statesman of the first order, and an undaunt- ed advocate for liberty, whether civil rights, or freedom of conscience were concerned. Ministries formed of repugnant and conflict- ing materials cannot be permanent or effi- cient. Every department ought to be filled by men of whom the statesman, who undertakes to conduct the affairs of a nation has the selection, and on whose principles, as well as talents, he can rely. The disorder which otherwise takes place from the counteraction of the inferior servants of government is of the worst kind, paralysing every grand mea- sure of the head of the ministry, and even controlling his intentions. The great genius of Mr. Fox, to have been efficient, should have reigned supreme in the management of public affairs. Mr. Pitt, under the wholesome restraints, and instruct- ed of the enlightened mind, of that great man, might have conducted a subordinate department with benefit to his country ; but as to co-operation with him, on any system of 19 co-ordinate power, the plan must have been detrimental to the public service, as long as it was attempted, and certainly would have been degrading to Mr. Fox. The more I have considered, the more am I persuaded, that his own conception of retirement was the true rule of conduct to follow; and being one of the most disinterested of men, and having no impatience to attain power, it would have been as easy as wise in him to have adhered to it. At the period to which I allude, he was be- ginning to turn his attention to an historical work, and our readings after tea were directed to the furtherance of this grand and useful object. Happy were those evenings, when the instruction of the historian — the pointed re- marks of the statesman — and all the ease and happiness of domestic society were united. The occasional visits of men of talent and high character sometimes pleasingly in- terrupted the evening's employment ; but I have never seen Mr. Fox more perfectly happy than u hen we were quite alone. He c2 20 was so utterly divested of a wish to shine, or of any appetite for flattery, that he in no mannerrequired,what is called, company, to enliven or animate him. A lover of na- ture, and consequently an enemy to art, he held, I think, above every quality, sincerity and unaffectedness ; and, being also of a character singularly domestic and amiable, he found in his little circle all he wished and Wanted. To his other attainments he had added very considerable knowledge in Bo- tany ; and, without making it a primary ob- ject, enjoyed every pursuit connected with Agriculture, in a high degree. About the end of the year 1799> Mr. Fox met with an accident of a most alarming nature. He was very fond of shooting, and as he was following that amusement one day in the neighbourhood of Chertsey, in company with Mr. William Porter, of that town, his gun burst in his hand. The ex- plosion having shattered it much, he wrap- ped it up, and returned to St. Anne's. As no surgeon in the country would under- take so delicate a charge upon his own re- 21 sponsibility, Mr. Fox was advised to go in- stantly to town. An hasty dinner was pro- vided, the chaise ordered, and, accompanied by Mrs. Fox, he very shortly set out for London. Mr. Porter told me that he mani- fested no impatience or apprehension, though the anguish he suffered must have been excessive : all the anxietv he testified was lest Mrs.Fox should be agitated and alarmed. On his way to town he composed the fol- lowing verses, which display a tenderness of disposition, and an exquisiteness of feeling, rarely met with (unhappily for the world) in those statesmen who rule mankind. " How can I at aught repine, While my dearest Liz is mine ? Can I feel or pain or woe, While my Lizzy loves me so ? Where's the sorrow, that thy smile Knows not sweetly to beguile ? Sense of pain, and danger flies From the looks of those dear eyes : Looks of kindness, looks of love, That lift my mortal thoughts above. While I view that heavenly face, While I feel that dear embrace, 22 While I hear that soothing voice, Tho' maimed or crippled, life's my choice : Without them, all the fates can give Has nought would make me wish to live ; No, could they foil the power of time, And restore youth's boasted prime, Add to boot, fame, power, and wealth, Undisturb'd and certain health, Without thee, 'twou'd nought avail, The source of every joy would fail ; But lov'd by thee, by thee caress'd, In pain and sickness I am blest." Though many estimable, and subsequently very elevated characters, visited at St. Anne's Hill, 1 never liked it so well, as when we were quite alone. There was a perfect ori- ginality of character in Mr. Fox, that made his society always new, and always preferable to that of most other men. Professional cant, and party ideas in general, give a monotony to the mindb of distinguished members of so- ciety. Accustomed to view things constantly in one way, and not seeking for new ideas, but rather occupied in advancing or defend- ing their old ones, their conversation does not create new sensations, and fre- quently wearies rather than delights. Mr. 23 Fox himself was so little obtrusive in this respect, that I recollect feeling a good deal of embarrassment at first, on observing how frequently he was inclined to silence, waiting for others to begin a conversation. I soon discovered, however, that he was pleased at its originating with another ; and, so great was his benevolence, as well as un- bounded his capacity, that whatever was started, in the smallest degree interesting, useful, or natural, received illustration and indulgent investigation from him, How well do I recollect the mornings when he came down to breakfast — how benignant and cheerful — how pleased with every thing — how free from worldly passions, and worldly views he was ! Nor were Mrs. Fox's captivating manners conducive in a faint manner to the harmonizing of every thing around : the watchful and refined attention she paid to her guests anticipated every thing they could desire, and charmed away every feeling of embarrassment, which diffidence, in the presence of a very great man, might be apt to occasion. 2-4 At breakfast, the newspaper was read, commonly by Mr. Fox ; as well as the letters which had arrived, tor such was the noble confidence of his mind, that he con- cealed nothing from his domestic circle, un- less it were the faults, or the secrets of his friends. At such times, when the political topics of the day were naturally introduced by the paper, I never could observe the least acrimony or anger against that party which so sedulously, and indeed successfully, had laboured to exclude him from the manage- ment of affairs, by misrepresentations of his motives, rather than by refutations of his arguments. In private conversation, I think, he was rather averse to political discussion, generally- preferring subjects connected with natural history, in anv of its branches ; but, above all, dwelling with delight on classical and poetical subjects. It is not to be supposed, however, that, where the interests and hap- piness of millions were concerned, he preserved a cold silence. He rather abstained from hopeless and useless complaining, than 25 withheld his mite of compassion and sym- pathy tor those who suffered under a perni- cious system. As my acquaintance com- menced with Mr. Fox towards the evening of his days, and at the period when a rebel- lion in Ireland was followed, by what has been fallaciously styled, a Union, I had the opportunity of observing his great hu- manity, and his freedom from prejudice, in regard to that country. In this respect he ever seemed to me to stand alone, among English politicians, many of whom are liberal enough in their own way, but all of whom agree in a love of dominion, and in a certain degree of contempt respecting the Irish, which, one day or other, will, I fear, generate events fatal to the repose of both islands. There is no nation in Europe, perhaps, more con- tracted in their way of thinking, or less lit to establish a conciliating government, than the English. Had the benevolent and enlarged mind of Mr. Fox directed their councils, during the twenty years preceding his death, this narrow system would not have pre- vailed, but Ireland might have been really united, by the firm bonds of gratitude and 26 interest, to Great Britain. The state o things arising in Europe, required the most enlightened and improved policy in English statesmen. The coercive energy of the new military government in France was alone to be counterpoised, and met, on the part of these islands, by a still more vigorous spirit, produced by the conscious possession of equal rights, and a renovated constitution. To enter the lists with the great military chieftain of the French, without similarity of means or situation, has proved a want of knowledge of England's true strength, and rather the blindness of envy, than the foresight of wisdom. Mr. Pitt treated Ireland like a conquered country, and chose to build upon the hollow submission of slaves, rather than strengthen himself by the support of free men. 1 can truly testify, that in the shocking times of 1798, and, during the degrading scene which crowned them, Mr. Fox yearned over Irish misfortunes with a truly paternal heart. A peculiar attribute of his character was, 27 an inclination to encourage and raise up ne- glected merit, and to pour balm into the wounds of misery. What a quality would ihis have been in an English statesman, in operating for the benefit and redemption of Ireland ? I distinctly recollect the horror excited in him, on hearing of the burning of cottages and their furniture, by the military — the pain he felt on reading the accounts of the actions between the insurgents and the army. — How well I reniember the valuable cautions he gave me, when theacutenessof mv feelings for a suffering country, prompted hasty and mo- mentary expressions of anguish. His opi- nion, which is given in one of the letters annexed to this volume, when the Union was agitated in Ireland, will be found solid and important ; I do not take upon me to assert, that it went so far as to imply the re-admis- sion of catholics to the parliament of their country, but I believe it must be taken to have gone that length, because, reform in Ireland, without relieving the great majority, and fully admitting them to participation of civil rights, must be deemed illusive and par- tial, and, consequently, uncongenial to such 28 a mind as that of Mr. Fox. The grand prin- ciple he relied on in this case, namely, that the aristocracy, without the support of the people, are nothing, has been, since his la- mented death, strongly elucidated and de- monstrated in England, as it was also in Ire- land at the period of the Union. Nor is it a less important truth, that the people, sepa- rated from the aristocracy, (or to make it clearer) from all those characters whom ge- nius, education, and cultivation of mind, have elevated, must be feeble, or at best, hur- ried on by impotent violence, and that both parties must ultimately fall under too great a controul of the crown. In turning with my reader to foreign scenes, these truths will be further developed, but in general I shall prefer a simple exposi- tion of facts, to drawing conclusions, or pro- nouncing opinions ; and I must intreat my readers to consider me as not presuming to advance ideas and sentiments of my own as those of Mr. Fox. In the latter case I shall always specify what was his ; in the former, I shall use the right of an independent mind 29 to exercise its own powers, taking on myself all responsibility and blame, where either may be incurred. The peace, or rather the truce of Amiens, in 1802, very naturally excited in Mr. Fox a desire to visit the continent. His historical work had advanced a good way, but as he approached the reign of James the 2nd. he felt a want of materials, which he under- stood could alone be supplied in Paris, and he determined to go there. That work has since appeared, and the public have formed their opinion upon it. I do not hesitate to say, that it would have been desirable that he had gone further back, or chosen a larger pe- riod, and one unconnected even by analogy with modern politics. An involuntary asso- ciation of ideas and feelings, tending to form a comparative view of epochs and circum- stances, may have had an i nrluence, unsuspect- ed by the author, and have led to his dwel- ling, as it has appeared to some, with prolixity upon peculiar passages in the unhappy reigns of Charles and James. 30 The goodness of his heart, and the gran- deur of his mind — the just medium of his opinions between the crown and democracy, and his warm love of true and rational liber- ty, are, however, indelibly recorded in a work, which perhaps came out too soon after his death to be justly appreciated; and, as it promoted the views of none of the parties of the day, it is rather to be considered a classic, whose wholesome tendency, and pu- rity of principle, will benefit posterity, than amend the present generation. I was wandering among the beauties of North Wales, when a letter from Mr. Foxreached me, stating his intention of going to France, in furtherance of this historical work, and adding, that I could be of use in copying for him in Paris. The sublime scenery of the interior of North Wales, the peaceful mansions of a contented and happy people, the innumerable beauties of nature, stamped by the hand of a divine Cre- ator, and scattered profusely around me, had harmonized my mirtd, and prepared it for reflection and observation. Tne friendly eye 31 which had penetrated these recesses, and the hand which had beckoned me to leave these calm and rural haunts, to behold a new and brilliant order of things in the powerful kingdom of France, were recognized by me as heralds of friendship and beneficence; but his active benevolence manifested on this occasion filled me with grateful surprize. Reader ! such a character was Mr. Fox ! To raise up the neglected, and to aid those whom scanty means might keep pining at home, or languishing in obscurity, was his bright characteristic. The practical homage paid to the Deity by this great and Chris- tian character, was to cheer the afflicted, and elevate the oppressed. Still T left Wales with regret, for I had ex- perienced that happiness is not to be found in crowds, and that the glare of Grandeur daz- zles, but neither warms nor enlivens. Since- rity is an humble flower, which rarely flou- rishes near it, and without that I had learnt to pre'er retirement to all the bustle and pomp of Courts. 32 To visit the brilliant scenes opening before me in the society of such an exalted, (be- cause benevolent and humane) as well as so grear. a man, as Mr. Fox, adorded, however, a very animating prospect. Hesitation would have been folly; and I hastened, (aftercrossing the channel to Ireland for a short time) to join the beloved inhabitants of St, Anne's Hill, and to offer there my gratitude and duty for this new act of unremitting friendship. At this moment, though all is cheerful and lovely around me, in my native and honoured country, and although I feel no want of what renders life comfortable, to those who can be happy amidst the never-fading delights of nature, and the simple but solid enjoyments which retirement and the country yield, yet 1 recur with pain to those times, when St. Anne's Hill possessed its illustrious master,and the remembrance of them saddens all the charming scenes around me. When I arrived at St. Anne's Hill, I found the family nearly ready for the journey. Mr. and Mrs. Fox, Mr. (now Lord) St. John, and myself, formed the travelling party ; and on 33 ingof the 29th of July, 1802, we set out in a travelling coach for France. The delightful country, through which we passed, was in great beauty, and England, which, under its government well adminis- tered, had been truly the bulwark of liberty, and the asylum of the unfortunate, seemed to me never more deserving the appellation of the Garden of the world. We passed through a great part of that most favored portion of it, Kent, and rested one night at Lord Tha- net's. Every thing that politeness and hos- pitality could prepare awaited us at this su- perb mansion. To me, however, there i,s always something triste in the large domains and palaces of great men in the country ; there is a void, a want of happy and inde- pendent human beings, which deprives the most beautiful and sublime scenerv of its charm, and the solitude created, being very different from that where all is free and un- bounded, as on mountains, in glens, or vallies, oronthesea-shore, produces languor,and gives an idea of confinement and inaction, instead of that repose of nature, so grateful to contem- r> 34 plative minds. Passing, on the following morning, the delightful aspect of Kent, so verdant, and adorned with neat and excellent enclosures, with its varying grounds of unri- valled beauty, and its hop plantations, emu- lating the appearance of vineyards, enchanted us all. The view above Hythe struck Mr. Fox particularly, and with great reason, for seldom does one behold a more fascinating picture than it presents. It made so strong an impression on him, that from France he afterwards wrote to a friend following him, to call his attention to the scene, which had so much delighted him. On our arrival at Dover, crowds were as- sembled to behold the celebrated person, whose oratory and political exertions had so long and so powerfully been exercised, in fa- vour of a misguided people. They followed him to the shore, and testifieda strong interest respecting him till the moment of his em- barkation. The gale was pleasant and favor- able, and the white cliffs of Dover, and the sandy beach and banks of the coast of France, -were visible at the same time. Mr. Fox 35 enjoyed the scene much. I had, in- deed, observed from our leaving St. Anne's, a freshness and juvenility in his mind, which had raised him still higher in my opinion. He might have been taken for a person newly entering into the scenes of life, so cheerful, so pleased, and so very much alive to the most minute objects in nature as he was. At times, however, the grandeur and extent of his genius shewed itself. There was perfect dignity, too, in his manner, united to the greatest simplicity. During our whole subsequent tour, he preserved this kind of demeanor and manners — add to which a solicitude that every one with him should be happy, should enjoy, and not lose any thing interesting, beautiful, or curious. 6 2 (36) CHAPTER III. A 8 the Packet passed through the glitter- ing waves with a brisk and easy motion, my mind was suspended as it were between various sensations and ideas. We had left the proud coast of Albion to visit the regene- rated kingdom of France. The long enjoy- ed power of the Bourbons had vanished be- fore the irresistible course of events. We were about to exchange our imaginations and opinions for certain ideas ; we were to judge for ourselves ; and, disencumbering our minds of the false impression unavoidably made on those distant from the theatre of a great revolution, we were to be enabled to form a just opinion of effects, and toexamine and analyse causes, in the political or moral sphere of men, or, as I may now express it, 37 Imperial France. The awful consideration of the torrents of blood which had been shed— the comparison between such horror, and the tranquil calm winch England had enjoyed-— the recollection of Empires over- thrown, and of the immutability of civil and religious rights — the doubt whether the miseries of a revolution were compensated by 3 beneficial change in government — the con- fused conjecture what the future peace rela- tions between the two nations would he— and a lively curiosity to behold Paris, the seat of a new government, and the novel order of things, pressed on the imagination, and hurried us in anxious anticipation towards the shore. The character of the warrior and statesman, who had been placed, by the force of his own genius, fortuitous circum- stances, and the wishes of an harassed peo- ple, in the seat of supreme power, was also in itself a strong stimulous to our curiosity, There is a natural desire in all men to view a celebrated person whose exploits have crowned him with glory. One wishes to examine the form and countenance, to 38 hear the voice, and observe the manner of such a man ; and as we eagerly search amongst the remnants of antiquities, for any outline, medal, bust, or any other demonstra- tion of the features or appearance of a great genius, so we have a craving wish to contem- plate a living character standing high in the temple of Fame. It is a just and natural feeling, and is, as it were, a tribute to one of our own species, endowed with eminent and extraor- dinary qualities, that we cannot withhold, unless envy blinds, and malice hardens us. . I do not say that such was Mr. Fox's feel- ings respecting Bonaparte : raised himself, as I think, upon a greater eminence, he could not, as I did, look with the same astonishment at the stupendous character of that great man ; but he could not be devoid of a desire, common to us all, of seeing and hearing one of the most eminent persons of the age. He to whom the histories of Greece and Rome were so familiar, looked with a philosophic eye upon his exaltation, and considered it as a natural and unavoidable consequence, of the military cast assumed by the French 39 nation, and of the preponderance of its armies. I imagine, however, that there must be a certain sort of sympathy between men of unbounded genius, who, though their pur- suits have been different, and their countries at times adverse and hostile, pay to one ano- ther the mutual homage of a kind of compla cent respect and deference. As these various ideas passed through my mind, the vessel glided along, — -«/xfl may use a French term, than that sur- rounding Cassel. A scene so rich was a con- tinual source of wonder to us : all the land yielding immense crops ; all the people ap- pearing happy ; and now seeming to labour beyond moderation. — The houses all good, comfortable, and well furnished. It was difficult to abstain a moment from looking upon this noble picture of plenty and hap- piness. Joseph Andrews was, however, re- sumed, and as the heat, and dust, became un- pleasant, we occasionally let down the blinds, and our time glided pleasantly on. As we approached Ghent the appearance of the 75 country improved, and became still more beautiful ; small farms, well enclosed, very pretty country houses, and a good deal of wood in the midst of the golden harvest I have described, rendered the approach to Ghent quite delightful. We entered Ghent. It is a large and magnificent town. The houses are lofty and venerable, as well from the grandeur of their appearance, as from their antiquity. At the Inn where we stopped every thing was in this character. The spirit of departed greatness seemed to stalk through every room ; every thing, too, looked larger than things in modern use. In a par- lour on the ground floor I observed a harp- sichord, of huge size, with large clawed guilt feet and legs — the windows and doors were all of great dimensions, and the scenery was well adapted for that wild, yet captivating species of romance writing which, from Mrs. RadclifFe's pen, produced so much effect. In Ghent, too, Charles the fifth, that extraordi- nary character, uniting so many extremes in itself, was born and often resided. This gave very additional interest to this grand, though desolate town. There is a sort of 76 picturesque of the mind created, or at least aided by the imagination, which is ama- zingly heightened, and vivified, by the re- membrance of a great departed character ; but if, in addition to the qualities ordinarily exciting admiration, an incident or trait of character, in unison with all the scenery pre- senting itself to the senses, is recollected, and if all the impressions be of the melancholy cast in a peculiar degree, nothing is wanting to make the effect complete. Who does not recollect the last sad scenes of Charles's life? Who can view without commiseration the weakness, and deplorable end of a monarch, whose arms, and negotiations, had pervaded and affected three quarters of the Globe ? His abdication of the throne, however, never inspired me with respect. Disgusted, and satiated with power, Charles resigned what he had ceased to enjoy, and regretted the loss of what he fancied he had despised. He ensured no extension of happiness to his people, but consigned them to his son with indifference for their welfare, and with all the pride of a great proprietor, who, in the transfer he makes of his possessions, feels a 11 display of his own power and consequence. Still Charles has claims upon our sympathy, — he was unfortunate — his health had be- come wretched — in the society of his son he had no pleasure — his views were thwarted by his brother — and he found himself at length in the decline of life with few or no friends — neglected, unhappy, and alone in a mercenary world. His religion tinctured by the gloomy ideas of a wounded mind, did not afford him the consolation he had fondly expected. His great mistake was in suppos- ing that he could be happy without occupa- tion, or that the calm pursuits of secluded life could be enjoyed by a mind consti- tuted and fashioned like his. Had Charles reserved these parts of Flanders and Ghent to himself, and employed his time in the active improvements of agriculture and manufacture, he would have been less miserable ; but, unfortunately, his health, al- ready much broken, was rendered worse bv the moist and changeable climate of these countries. Perhaps, even such occupation would have been insipid to a restless mind, 78 and in every situation the conclusion of Charles's life would have taught us how vain is the idea that happiness is enjoyed by those who possess supreme power, and all its at- tendant perplexities. The intrusion of these reflections may, perhaps, be more readily par- doned, when it is considered of how diffe- rent a character was the trulv great man with whom I was then travelling. Mr. Fox, of transcendent abilities, and of a far supe- rior tone of mind to Charles the 5th, possess- ed all those qualities which fitted him to en- joy a rural and philosophical life. Filled with no insatiable desire to dictate to others, but well appreciating the emptiness of rank and power, he rested alone, with full satisfac- tion, on the enjoyments of friendship, of lite- rature, and of the country. Thus, what made other great men miserable, made him happy. Retirement was his season of joy. The lovely volume of nature, and its best transcript, true piety, were then his solace, and never-failing sources of delight. Charles, in his monastery, and Fox, at St. Anne's Hill, were contrasts of the most striking nature. The one solitary, gloomy, 79 and trifling, almost nauseating the existence conferred by his Creator, and chagrined at neglect; which he ought to have expected and despised : the other the most affectionate of men, happy in his domestic circle, even im- proving his great capacity, by converse with every thing of departed genius — anxiousforthe welfare of his country, and of the world — thankful for every blessing of life, contented with a little — delighting in, and truly enjoy- ing rural life — and totally unruffled by the ingratitude or neglect of man, whose opi- nions he disdained to consider worth a mo- ment's thought. In fact, it is retirement which is the test of a truly great mind ; and I may venture to assert, that none can deny that Mr. Fox bore it, and enjoyed it, in a man- ner nothing inferior to the highest characters of antiquity ; and I can certainly testify, that no man could have less impatience for busy life, no man was more entirely or unaffect- edly happy at home. The place d'armes in Ghent is handsome : the Cathedral is grand, and ornamented to profusion ; though as its best pictures had been taken away by the French, there was a 80 great deficiency in some parts of it. The Abbey of St. Peter, a ci-devant church, was converted into a school of painting : we saw many pictures there, but no good ones. We visited at Ghent a very interesting and ex- cellent establishment — the residence of the Beguines. These are religious females, about six hundred in number, who live very happily and repectably, and do every charita- ble office they can in the town. Their resi- dence consists of a sort of square, and in its centre they have a very neat and handsome small church. Each Beguine has two neat apartments, and in general they live sepa- rately. I have seldom seen any thing more pleasing than this select religious establish- ment. The women were drest with great plainness and neatness ; they seemed cheerful, obliging, and respectable to a great degree ; were of the middle class, and in most of their apartments birds, flowers, and works of a tasteful kind were seen. I think that in Protestant countries there is a strong and unjust prejudice against such societies. What bond is so good to regulate, to unite, and to harmonize, as the Christian religion ? and if individuals choose to live a retired and tran- quil life, suitable to their taste and character, — called for by past misfortunes, or rendered necessary for economical purposes, what unprejudiced person can refuse them respect and esteem ? I was very much gratified at beholding so many amiable and happy females, whose countenances spoke tran- quillity and benevolence, and whose little mansions were the abodes of peace, comfort, and decency. At Ghent the municipal officers waited on Mr. Fox, with every demonstration of respect. On his remarking to the Prefect, that the farms near Ghent looked rich and beau- tiful, he observed, that the soil was not naturally good, " tout est fait," said he, " par V Industrie, and la patience de lliomme," for, he added that almost all the soil was literally carried to these farms. This was certainly not only a proof of industry, but also of that great attention to agriculture which has so long, and justly, distinguished Flanders. Ghent itself is a grand and affecting 82 monument of the great prosperity of this once independent, and most respectable people. This ancient capital of the Nether- lands, having lost its manufactures, has fal- len into melancholy decay, but it manifests \yhat a great agricultural country, with a due proportion of internal manufactures, may do independent, or nearly independent, of fo- reign trade. I contemplated this respectable remain of Flemish grandeur with reverence and pity. I reviewed the long line of honest and patriotic characters who had once resided in it, and whose dust now slept within its walls ; men, who from the time of the Romans, under Charlemagne, under the houses of Burgundy and Austria, had main- tained the dignity of man, and his rights, both civil and religious; who had not been ambi- tious of conquest, but, satisfied with liberty, and solid comfort, had promoted the culti- vation of a fertile and noble country, and derived their own wealth and happiness chiefly from that legitimate source of pros- perity; who had lived contented with solid good, and despised external shew, and empty tame; who had yielded just obedience to go- vernment,butresisted,steadilyandcour3geous- 83 ly, all innovation and oppression. We paid to the manes of these patriots the sincere and warm homage of a heart attached to liberty , and little inclined to worship thrones, or languish in servile dependence upon ministers ! Ghent, in the year 1802, was reviving in a small degree, and may recover some portion of its former grandeur ; but, as it no longer pos- sesses the constitution, under which it, and the surrounding country, flourished for ages, a full restoration of its prosperity can never be expected, and, perhaps, the great progress of other countries in agriculture and manu- factures would forbid its ever attaining so great opulence in modern times. Leaving Ghent on the day after our arrival there, we travelled through a continuation of the same rich and noble country as we had before seen. Every thing was in unison; farms, houses, cattle, harvest, a respectable and well-clad race of people, and no miser- able mansion, no wretched family to distress the feelings, or shock the eye ! We found this davvery hot; and as we were r 9 81 obliged to draw the blinds, Joseph Andrews was resumed, and, in the course of our day's journey, finished. Towards evening we came in view of Antwerp. Entering a flat and uninteresting country, we now bid fare- wel to that glorious scene which had so much, and so long enchanted ; where agri- culture had showered down all her gifts, seconded by nature, and the long-enjoyed independence of the country. We had passed through the finest part of Flanders, in the time of harvest, and had, of course, seen it to the greatest advantage. The luxuriance and abundance were astonishing ; immense fields of wheat, barley, and oats ; tracts of potatoes, flax, hemp, beans, peas, and cole- seed : some hops, fine clover, buck wheat, and madder, formed the principal crops, all good, and perfectly clean. In some parts good hedges, and a good deal of timber, were to be observed. Above all, and it cannot be loo much dwelt upon, when it is considered of what it was the result, a numerous and happy population ! And all this fine country acquired by France ; this vast acquisition of strength to her Empire, conferred on hereby the blunders, and the blind fury of the allied powers. No consequence of the fatal sys- 85 tern of threatening the very existence of France, as a Nation, among many lamentable ones, has been more injurious than that of the annexation of the Netherlands to that power. The fertility of the soil, and excel- lence of its agriculture; the value of an orderly domestic people as good subjects ; the convenience of its situation, as well as the diminution of power, in the state which had so long governed it, all contributed to make this acquisition the most desirable to France, and far preferable to distant conquests of treble the territory. The secretary of the Portuguese minister informed us, too, that the country along the Rhine about Coblentz was nothing inferior, in riches, population, and agriculture, to that which we had seen. It is not very surprizing that France, thus early strengthened and enriched, made so formidable a figure against the allies ; subse- quently, too, she fought upon their territories, thus growing richer and more warlike in every battle, whilst they carried on war at an immense expense, without any definable or tangible object. Since we left Cassel, we found the weather extremely hot ; but as it was very advantageous for the harvest of the 86 good and industrious Flemings, we did not repine : in general the climate resembles that of England. The evening fell fast, and night approached as we arrived on the banks of the Scheld, opposite Antwerp. The moon had risen, and as the river is nearly a mile broad here, the town formed a fine appearance on the opposite shore. Our passage was very pleasing. The lofty buildings and spires of Antwerp seemed to rise from the waters. The waters trembled as they lightly swelled beneath the placid moon. I got to the head of the boat, and gave myself up to a crowd of thoughts. The great city we were ap- proaching had undergone the several vicis- situdes of fortune, and, depending totally upon external commerce, had sunk under its loss. I shall see another great town, thought I ! another memorial of the fallacy of human grandeur ! I shall see the remains of human industry and power ! The boat stole across the river, and at nine o'clock we landed. The gates were shut, and we found a slight difficulty in getting admittance, 87 which was soon obviated. The next morn- ing, much as I had admired the respectable and grand appearance of Ghent, I was filled with astonishment at the superb streets and houses, which offered themselves to my eyes; both were in just proportion to each other — the streets wide and very long, and the houses having, in the best parts of the town, the air of palaces. The folding doors and large windows, the lofty and antique air of these mansions, and the regularity of this great and once most populous city, were very imposing to English eyes*. Antwerp was, however, as well as Ghent, a striking exhibition of fallen gran- deur. The streets were silent, and grass grew in many parts ; the busy stir of man was wanting to animate this immense col- lection of buildings : no roll of carriages manifested the opulence and luxury of the inhabitants, the sound of the human voice was little heard, and those animals attendant on man wer^ not seen. The women, wear- ing long pieces of black stuff thrown round their shoulders as a scarf, made a singular appearance, and Mr. Fox noticed it to me as 88 such, and intimated that it had always been the dress: it has a disagreeable effect ; but the custom has its origin, doubtless, from a long period back. As the Scheld, however, was just opened, there were some symptoms of reviving commerce, and Antwerp has, most probably, ere now, assumed a lively appear- ance ; although it will require a long time to restore the population, and give energy to the whole mass of this deserted but mag r nificent city. The municipal officers waited on Mr. Fox, and we passed the day very agreeably in seeing every thing deserving of attention at Antwerp, but these are too well known to require full enumeration. The Cathedral is very fine. We saw three good collections of pictures, and the acade- my of paintings. The French carried away Reuben's best pictures from hence, but two very fine ones have been returned. We did not see the citadel, which we understood was in a goodstate. The ideaofbuildingshipsand restor- ing the French marine, at Antwerp, though in its infancy when we -rested there, was, however,, strong apd prevalent. 89 If my readers can pardon the introduction pf trifles, and my classical ones imagine the delight I felt at reading passages of the JEi}eid of Virgil with Mr. Fox, they will excuse my mention of another little course of reading on this short tour, on account of the valued name of him, unhappily for the world, no more. I had begun the ^Eneid at St. Anne's Hill previous to our setting out, and had advanced a good way in it before we set off. I continued my reading as opportunity allowed, and Mr. Fox ji^ver received greater pleasure than when I ven- tured to point out passages which pleased me. Of Virgil's JEnc'id he was a true admirer; and the tincture of melancholy which he thought ran through his w r ork, was by no means displeasing to him. At Antwerp we finished the 8th book of the^Eneid. Of all jthe passages relating to Evander and his son, Mr. Fox was very fond. The affectionate appeal to Heaven of the anxious father we read together with mutual interest. At vos, 6 superi et divum tu maxime rector Jupiter, Arcadii quaeso niiserescite regis, Et patrias audite preces : si numina vestra 90 • lncolumem Pallanta mihi, si fata reservant, Si visurus eum vivo, et venturus in unum ; Vitam oro : patiar quemvis durarelaborem. Sin aliquem infandum casum, fortuna, minaris ; Nunc 6, nunc lice&t, crudelem abrumpere vitam. Dum curse ambiguae, dum spes incerta futuri, Dum te, care puer, mea sera et sola voluptas, Complexu teneo : gravior ne nuntius aures Vdlneret." This passage, and the fine ending of the 8th book, charmed some of our moments at Antwerp ; where, as we staid an entire day, and it was extremely hot, I got through the 9th book of the JEnzid also, having the same kind and enlightened commentator to refer to. The inimitable episodes of Nisus andEuryalus gave us great and renewed plea- sure. The melancholy lamentation of the mother of Euryalus, I have before me, marked as it was read at Antwerp. " Hunc ego te, Euryale, aspicio ? tune ilia senectee Sera meae requiespotuistilinquere solam, Grudelis ? nee te, sub tanta pericula missum, Affari extrcmum miserae data copia matri ? Heu, terra ignota canibus data prseda Latinis Alitibusque jaces ! nee te tua funera mater Produxi pressive oculos, aut vulnera lavi, Veste tegens ; tibi quam noctes festina diesque Urgebam, et tela curas solabar aniles, 91 Quo sequar ? aut quai nunc artus avulsaque membra Et funus lacerum tellus habet ? hoc mihi de te, Xates refer ? hoc sum terraque marique secuta ? Figite me, si qua est pietas : in me omnia tela Conjicite, 6 Rutuli ! me primam absumite ferro. Aut tu, magne pater div&m, miserere, tuoque Invisum hoc detrude caput sub Tartara telo : Quando alitor nequeo crudelem abrumpere vitam." The tenderness of Mr. Fox's heart mani- fested itself by his always dwelling, in poetry, with peculiar pleasure upon domestic and affecting traits of character, when happily pourtrayed by the author. The choice I had made of the ^Eneid proved most gratifying to myself, and was agreeable to Mr. Fox. Perhaps, when the malevolent and ignorant supposed this great man preparing to pay his court to the first Consul of France, he was then with genuine feeling; examining some beauty in the iEneid, and adding to its lustre by his own remarks. One cannot forget such things, where such a man was an actor. Antwerp remains impressed on my memory ; but it is Antwerp with Mr. Fox in it, dilating with warmth upon the amiable and engaging character of Evander, enjoying Virgil with all the warmth of a young ingenuous mind, 92 and not disdaining to listen to the opinions, and to enter indulgently into the feelings of one, every way his inferior, and far removed in regard both to age and rank. My readers will, in the concluding pages of this work, observe, that this classical taste and fondness for the tender parts of the ^Bneid, endured to the closing moments of Mr. Fox's life. In all this kind of devotion to poetry, in him, there was not a glimpse of vanity perceptible, although his memory and discrimination had made him master of all the best of the ancient and modern poets, so as to be superior to most men in conversing upon, and examining their merits; yet he would sometimes appear to be instructed, and listen with satisfaction to remarks of little value ! The subject he liked at all times, and if it were not treated with much ability or knowledge, still he respected the wish in another to understand, and discover the beauties of those charming poets, whose works afford so rich a source of amusement and improvement to mankind. Where there was but a latent gem of taste. 93 Mr. Fox loved to encourage and to foster it, by example and approbation, into growth and expansion. The heart-rending tale of Nisus and Euryalus, obliterated, in no dis- agreeable manner, the reflections I had been making upon the past and present state of Antwerp. In pointing out to Mr. Fox the abandonment of the mother of Euryalus to despair, I was quite gratified to find that he admired the passage as I did ; and I was not at all ashamed of the tears which fell for the fate of Euryalus, and my forgetfulness of the great and pompous city in the middle of which I then was. — I could not, however, bid adieu to Ant- werp, without regretting that this beautiful city had so long suffered from the policy of commercial greediness. If I may be allowed to designate Ghent as the inland capital, and Antwerp as the maritime one of the old Netherlands, one can never testify sufficient admiration at these stupendous erections of a respectable and independent people, or sufficient regret at their degradation and decay: neither possess, now, much more than u quarter of their ancient population; and, as 94 independent cities, they are never destined to rise again. Such are the vicissitudes of states, and small ones more especially are liable to great and improbable changes. As we descended the stair-case of our lofty, and princely inn, I closed the JEne'id, and we proceeded on our journey towards Hoi- . land. We now travelled through a flat and disagreeable country : the golden plains of Austrian Flanders no longer waved before us ; and as we advanced, the way became less and less pleasing. Every thing was now quickly growing Dutch ; the dress of the people, the dull flatness of the countrv, announced a great change. It was curious, neverthe- less, to hear, as we did, from our postilions, that we were still, though a considerable way beyond Antwerp, in the territory of France ! This enormous extension of territory could not fail to surprize, because, how- d ever well things are understood upon paper, if we are inclined to diminish an evil, or to deny its existence, we delude our minds into an oblivion of circumstances and facts, and often proceed, by new errors, to wipe away 95 the stinging remembrance of former ones. But France stretching beyond Antwerp — the independence of Holland become a vain and illusory idea, — such melancholy know- ledge forced upon one with ocular demon- stration — was proof, presented to English eyes, of the extent and existence of an evil, now irreparable, and which no ministe- rial declamation can paliate or cure. Mr. Fox himself could not refrain from a smile, and his look was not a little expressive, when, beyond Antwerp, we were told it was still France. However he might regret the vast increase of French territory, his conscience was, at least, free from all weight : he had, in no manner, been accessary in goading on France to madness, and in inflaming her with the retaliating spirit of conquest. His simple and early, though much -condemned proposal of acknowledging the French republic, if acceded to, in the British Parliament, would most probably have prevented not only the annexation of Belgium to Fiance, but secured the integrity and independence of Holland, and had saved other states, \\ hich have since fallen, and confined France to her ancient 96 boundaries, instead of her becoming a great military empire, consolidating itself every year of war, and still threatening Europe, whether that war continues, or peace intervenes. Mr. Fox would have allowed that political effervescence, which agitated France, time to evaporate, and paying due respect to the feelings of a great nation, would wisely have abstained from exasperating them, at the critical moment of its regeneration. We entered Dutch Brabant on leaving the French territory. The roads became heavy and sandy, and the country quite unin- teresting. We now had recourse to Tom Jones, and I read a great deal of that excel- lent work aloud on our way to Breda. Mr. Fox enjoyed it very much. Few works, indeed, have more original merit; and although there may be coarseness and indeli- cacy in some parts, which Fielding's cast of o-enius is rather too much inclined to, yet his faithful painting from nature always gives new and increasing pleasure. Certainly, we were much indebted to him during our fa- tiguing journey, through the sands on the 97 way to Breda, where, at night, we were extremely glad to arrive, as the day's journey had been less agreeable by much than any since we had left Calais. We rested at a remarkably comfortable and good inn, where a neat supper, and some well-made pancakes refreshed our happy little party. Breda is a handsome town : the gardens, at- tached to a chateau of the Prince of Orange, are pretty ; the ramparts and fortifications are in perfect repair. The church is large and plain, but contains a fine monument of Count Engelbert, by Michael Angelo. The Count is represented as having died of a con- sumption, and that fatal disorder is admi- rably, and but too faithfully, delineated by a great master's hand. It is a chef 'd'oeuvre in its way, but as such a work could only excite anguish and pain in the breasts of relatives, and horror in ordinary spectators, I cannot applaud the idea, although this direful spectacle extorted from me much admiration for its execution. The church itself looked cold and cheerless, and had nei- ther pictures nor ornaments of any kind. This of itself denoted a different religion H 98 from that of the Flemings. The Calvinist being the prevailing one in Holland, we were here first apprized of the variation at Breda, from the Roman Catholic worship of the Flemings. Without pronouncing upon the long-contested points between the ancient Catholic, and the modern or reformed reli- gion, I cannot help expressing the idea that ornament, and the fine productions of the pencil, have a pleasing and natural effect in places of worship, where human beings adore their Creator. It is a tribute of re- spect and affection to the Deity, raises the mind, and frequently recalls it to sacred things. The church at Breda was large, but looked so naked and melancholy, that I was glad when we left it ; especially as the noble Michael Angelo's sculpture imparted ideas of the most dismal nature. Breda is remarkable as the residence of the English exiled monarch Charles II. I viewed it with no respect on that account. Charles is one of the instances of men whom adversity mav render cunning, but not mode- rate and good. He avoided the harsh extremes of his father, and the foolish bigotry of 99 his brother, but his principles were worse than those of either. His agreeable, and it has been said, captivating, manners, rendered him a more dangerous enemy to the rights of the people. The amiable and accomplished gentleman was thought incapable of deep designs, and his love of pleasure led him to be imagined the gay friend of cheerfulness and conviviality in so- ciety, and averse to cruelty and severity. His reign was, however, more dangerous to Liberty, as well as to Morals, than that of any other since the Constitution had assumed shape and consistency. He attacked both by sap, and the mine, and had he lived twenty years longer, the English nation would have found it difficult to elude his arts, and pre- serve their long-disputed liberties. The deserted gardens of the Prince of Orange (ci-devant Stadtholder) gave me another lesson on the fallacy and unsteadiness of human grandeur. The Stadtholder, in residing in England, had abandoned his high station, which a truly great man would have pre- served, or fallen, gloriously resisting the in- cursion of the French. Leaving Breda, we it 2 100 soon entered Holland, having crossed some small rivers, and the Maese, a fine and broad one. Gorchum is a pretty little Dutch town, and from thence to Vienne there was much cultivation of hemp. Having passed the Lech, a beautiful river, we began to ap- proach Utrecht. The appearance of Holland, that creation of liberty, industry, and commerce, though a flat country, and quite destitute of the pic- turesque, is, however, most pleasing to any person of reflection and benevolence. Des- titute of almost every natural advantage, the art and courage of man have nearly obvi- ated every difficulty, and supplied every want. An humble and contented air was spread through the cottages and farms ; neat- ness and comfort reigned in them ; tranquil- lity is the characteristic of a Dutchman's residence, and his enjoyment, if not great, is unalloyed. I cannot quite accede to the poet's descrip- tion of Holland. 101 f< Industrious habits in each bosom reign,- And Industry begets a love of gain ; Hence all the good from opulence that springs, With all those ills superfluous treasure brings, Are here displayed. Their much-loved wealth imparts Convenience, plenty, elegance, and arts ; But view them closer, craft and fraud appear, E'en liberty itself is barter'd here !" Commerce, when carried to excess, like most other pursuits of man, becomes per- nicious, and productive of ill consequences ; particular instances, too, of avaricious and unfeeling characters engaged in it, may lead to an unfavourable opinion of commerce it- self; but if any one were disposed to deny its amazingly beneficial effects, he has but to look at Holland to be convinced that he is wrong. Without it, the Dutch could not have achieved or maintained their indepen- dence : they did not possess fertile land, si- milar to their neighbours, nor was their popu- lation great. Industry and naval pre-eminence were the only pillars upon which they could rest securely, and commerce supplied them. As we began to approach the city of 102 Utrecht by a noble canal, a new scene began to present itself. On every side, country- houses, gardens, and pleasure-grounds, not inferior to those delightful ones which for so many miles ornament the banks of the Thames, adorned this canal. I was pleasingly surprized to behold so much rural elegance in these Dutch villas. Very pretty summer- houses, belonging to each, were placed on the edge of the canal ; and these were the favorite places for the families to enjoy them- selves in their sedate way. Smoking, cards, and a moderate share of refreshment and drink, gave them all they seemed to desire. We heard no music. The clear and almost unruffled water of the canal seemed fearful to disturb the general calm. Beau- tiful and lofty trees ornamented many places, yet few birds were heard or seen. It almost appeared a tranquillity bordering upon stag- nation ; and yet it was a rich and very charm- ing scene. I would willingly have consi- dered these retreats as the rewards of long and patient industry, the prize of toil for independence, or the asylum of naval heroes enjoying repose after a life of warfare and 10 -> peril ; but the changed condition of Holland unpleasingly obtruded itself upon my mind ; and imagination, yielding to reality, was forced to view these noble villas, as the ha- bitations of a subjugated race of men — rich, perhaps, but no longer free — indepen- dant as merchants, but as citizens, slaves ! Utrecht is a very handsome, large town, and the entrance by the canal very noble. We found it extremely hot in the boat, which is the only objection to this easy and agreeable mode of travelling at this time of year. Tom Jones was not forgotten ; and, indeed, a book is peculiarly requisite in such a voyage, and in such scenery : there is so much monotony in both, that in a warm day, the drowsy God would assert his rights in a very irresistible manner, w 7 ere it not for a lively and entertaining work. To Tom Jones we were accordingly very grateful ; and I w r as quite willing to have the bloody noses, and vulgar broils introduced, as a re- lief to the surrounding torpor. The heat became so great, however, that we were very glad to arrive at the inn m Utrecht. The 104 approach to this town is very noble ; the surrounding villas, the great beauty of the canal, whose waters are as clear as the pu- rest river, and the air of riches and popula- tion, make it worthy of every praise. I recol- lect at Utrecht that, as Mr. Fox was not quite satisfied about the direction of one of the principal streets, he and I examined the way, although it was late, and he was oppressed by the heat of the weather, and, after much fatigue in walking, we ascertained the termination of the street which had started the doubt. What is trivial would in most cases bebetter omitted ; but at that time I was struck with the desire evinced by Mr. Fox, on that occa- sion, of acquiring accurate knowledge, strongly proved at the expence of a long walk, and in weather which was incon- veniently oppressive. At all times I observed in him the same anxiety to ascertain, and, though in general his obser- vations and knowledge made him much at his ease upon all subjects, yet if he doubted, he never relaxed in his enquiries, till he had 105 satisfied himself. He manifested more plea- sure in our journey through the Netherlands than in Holland. In the former the agri- culture, the country, and the people, pleased him highly : in the latter, his curiosity was more gratified than his taste. We left Utrecht next morning, after seeing some superb gardens ornamented with a profusion of grottos, busts, statues, and shell work, and pursued our way by water to Amsterdam. As we went by water, and the day was extremely hot, we found much inconvenience from the weather. Our book was resumed, and the natural de- scriptions of Fielding again enlivened our moments. But the whole way from Utrecht to Amsterdam, country houses, and garden^, displayed their beauties on each side. The neighbourhood of a great capital was ma- nifested by the number of villas becoming greater, and by an air of animation and bustle appearing every where. The canal, too, be- gan to widen very much : different small canals poured in on every side ; the water grew quite alive with boats, and the spires, 108 and lofty buildings of Amsterdam, termi- nating the view along the canal, formed a grand appearance. I never beheld a more pleasing scene : every boat was man- naged with dexterity ; the various produce of the farm was on its way to market ; many females were in the boats, giving that charm to the scene, which always heightens, and without which every landscape is dull. Every symptom appeared of a great and in- dustrious population ; and from what we saw as we approached this great hive of human industry, we were prepared to expect an extraordinary spectacle upon our arrival : nor were we disappointed. Amsterdam is a noble and populous city, and pre- eminent, I believe, above all others, for the general diffusion of employment, and the total absence of misery or want. Here is the triumph of man, I could scarcelyavoid exclaim- ing ! — and of independent man ! — Of men once styled, by a proud and unfeeling court, beggars ! Liberty, pursued to these marshes* raised her standard amidst the waiters, and, defying the tyrant who threatened from the 10/ shores of Spain, gave safety to a wretched people, and the noble city of Amsterdam for their capital. *. I could not have imagined a more perfect scene of human occupation and com- fort; the equality of station, and the competency enjoyed by all, afforded that true idea of social perfection which theorists have written and talked so much of ; but which few countries have realized in modern times. Thedistinctionsofan aristocratic noblesse, and a miserable populace, did not offend the eye. The youth who studies, and the man who thinks, possess defective notions regarding states, and forms of government, until they travel. The republics of Greece and Rome are well known in history, but their glories and their defects are no more to be discerned by the eye of the vigilant observer. The ruins of architecture speak their past magnificence, and books tell us of their excellencies ; but the living volume is no longer open to our per- rusal ! Their grandeur is ihe dream of past days, and liberty has fled from those her once- favourite haunts. Holland still exhibits the 108 features, and happy effects, of rational repub- licanism. It will take a long time to oblite- rate them. The form and movement imparted to society, so congenial to the dispositions of the inhabitants, will long endure. A wise government, which does not shock their pre- judices, or change their habits and municipal regulations, may extract from them essential services. When we visited Holland, in 1802, French dominion was very visible, owing to the in- troduction of a French military force every where ; but though the Dutch grumbled and repined, their industry was not impeded, and no partial encouragement, or depression of sex or classes, created any of that most in- tolerable of servitudes, the submission of a large portion of society to a few who admi- nistered foreign power to their own coun- trymen ! It would be quite superfluous in me to mention the magnificent pile of the Stadt-house, and several fine collections of pic- tures which we saw at Amsterdam. The Bank is well known, as having long enjoyed the most unbounded and well- merited con- 109 fidence. Where the treasures once deposi- ted there have fled, is not exactly to be as- certained ; but, like those of other Banks, I believe they no longer exist. For a long time that admirable institution increased the powers of the Dutch Republic, and added to the respect paid to it by other nations. Other times, and other modes of finance and govern- ment, have succeeded ; but the good old times of confidence, founded upon the accumulation of solid treasures, and a frugal and cautious expenditure of public money, have departed from this commercial republic. As the heat was excessive, and the number of Canals in Amsterdam are disagreeable in the middle of summer, we stopt but one night in that city. Its population is estimated at 250,000. A pleasant drive along the road to Haarlem, was very acceptable after the heat we had endured. We had intended passing into North Holland, where we were inform- ed the primitive dress and manners of the old inhabitants were still preserved ; but as Mr. Fox desired to reach Paris without more delay, we did not make the excursion. 110 I had now travelled through the Netherlands to Amsterdam, with Mr. Fox, and, during the whole period, had never perceived a shadow of irritation or gloom upon his temper. Our journey had been every way delightful. The variety of scenery, through which we had passed, the mixture of reading and conver- sation, and the gratification of travelling with such a character as Mr. Fox, produced a state of mind not easily conceivable in a young man who, for the first time, had been abroad. Best and most benevolent of men ! — do I trace these pages, and do thy cold remains sleep in the dust ? — 1 mav travel, but never can the charm of thy conversation, the playfulncfs and originality of thy remarks, thy happy temper and benign disposition, make me orget objects around, for the most fasci- nating purposes of contemplating the various excellencies of such a character as thine ! The world, however gay, fresh novelties, however striking, could never please as they once did ! Where could I find thy friendly remarks, where that tender and noble heart, which made every step agreeable, and almost compelled me to forget the grand elevation Ill of thy character ; the great inferiority of my own ? The Netherlandspresentall the glories of agri- culture to the pleased traveller, if hebe a man of sensibility, the most gratifyingof all prospects, — an industrious, agricultural, and content- ed people, all enjoying comfort and peacefully following their labours. — Holland will offer to the astonished eye an industrious and immense population, animating a flat and productive country, and, by their w T onderful industry and perseverance, conquering the land from (he all powerful sea, preserving their acquisition, and, in spite of ambitious neighbours and oppressive taxation, still undestroyed, — and, though loaded and depressed, still respectable, populous, and active. But those eyes which, when I travelled through these countries, were opened with such vivid pleasure to contemplate human prosperity and happiness, no longer beam with life ! — These countries can never delight me as they once did. Were I to journey through them again, friendship would assert 112 all its rights ; I should seek every where for him I had lost — I should call upon his name — and carrying with me a mournful and wounded spirit, I should find no consolation in the grandeur of cities — no relief from the beauties of nature, or the wonderful works of industrious man ! Our journey to Haarlem was extremely pleasant along a road which ran by the banks of the canal. Dutch travelling is very agreeable for summer, and the horses went at a good pace. Midway, between Amster- dam and Haarlem ; we passed a very narrow neck of land, having the Haarlem Meer on the left, and the Z'yow on the right, and drove along the banks of another canal, till we arrived at Haarlem. This is a large and handsome town, and, as all the Dutch towns are, is neat, comfortable, well built, and well paved. They are all clean, and there is nothing of an unpleasant nature in any to be seen. The Church is very large, and the famous organ is worthy of every traveller's attention. The number of stops is great, and their power, diversity, and tone, quite astonishing. 113 At Haarlem Was born and lived Laurentius Costar, the supposed inventer of printing. We were informed that specimens of his interesting and noble discovery, were pre- served in the town-house; but upon enquiry we found that the person in whose charge they Were was absent. Mr. Fox manifested very great anxiety to see these specimens of an infant art, which had conferred such signal benefit on mankind ! We waited a considerable time, walked about, sent repeat- edly, and were as often disappointed. Mr. Fox very unwillingly (and I had not seen him more interested upon the whole journey) stepped into the boat, which waited to con- vey us to Leyden. I went myself with reluctance. I conceived that homage was due from us to this divine invention, and that the subjects of a free constitution were required, above all others, to reverence and respect those elementary materials of the great art, the parent of liberty in modern times, and difFuser of all those works of genius and amusement, which civilize society, and add so much to domestic pleasures. I regretted, as the boat moved on, that we had I 1M not remained longer, I now regret it more, as 1 shall never look upon these precious relics in the presence of him whose manly efforts, in favour of liberty, were seconded and diffused so powerfully by that art in its per- fection, which Costar had either invented, or had in its infancy improved and advanced ! Having set out thus disappointed, we glided on, through a flat and poor-looking country, on our way to Leyden. I perceived, as we passed on, that the cows were all black, or black and white, in Holland, without excep- tion ; the horses good and handsome ; but. the pigs of a most miserable appearance. Of sheep we saw few, and those we did were indifferent. The use of w T oo,den shoes. lis. very prevalent. There is certainly nothing; of elegance in the general appearance cf the Dutch ; but among the women there is much, neatness. The young girls are very fair, and of a very engaging appearance : they are even handsome when quite young, but. soon lose the light and charming air of youth, and their beauty degenerates into insipid fairness. Nevertheless, in a moral and phy- ■115 sical view, there is an air of tranquillity and complacency, through the whole landscape, of a very pleasing nature. The great family of the Nation, appears united and affection- ate. Parents are kind and gentle to their children,- and no where did I observe severity used to them. The men or boys nurse the children, too, almost as much as the women. The excesses of passion, the loud broil, or the horrors of intoxication, do not dis- grace the picture. The Dutch family quietly enjoy that regular and calm happiness; which their ancestors have bequeathed to them. Order, that first blessing of society, reigns throughout. • If they do not possess all the more elegant or exquisite pleasures of refined life, they have none of its pains or anguish. Holland is not the country for a poet, or for a person fond of sublime or picturesque sce- nery : a mind of sensibility would here lan- guish for want of excitement, and for objects of admiration; but rational, moderate-minded rrieh;'may pass a very easy and satisfac- tory life. The duration of ease and exemption from any thing unpleasant, would, perhaps, corriperisate fdr the absence of greater joys. i 2 116 At all events, Holland is a happy asylum for age. It suits that period of life in an eminent degree ; and did the climate favour its feeble- ness or ailments, equally as its placid man- ners, and limited pursuits, Holland would be a most desirable spot in which to rock " the cradle of declining age." In another point of view, it is a highly instructive scene — a lesson for Nations who are oppressed, and a guide to statesmen. It demonstrates, that the people, not the soil, constitute the wealth of Nations. It has been proved in Holland, and the evidence is yet before us, that a number of brave men, determined to be free, can create a country for themselves. The sweets of independence impart vigour to the mind. Home, unmo- lested by tyrants, was a spot which, even in the marshes of Holland, became endeared to its possessor. Freemen daily improved it — fenced, cultivated, and adorned it, until this little paradise bloomed on their labours, and gave them pleasure and happiness, as it before had yielded them safety. A colony of men, of vigorous and independent minds, can, there- 117 fore, at any time, and in any place, constitute a free and happy state ; if they be unani- mously determined to obtain independence, or to die. The Belgians colonized the marshes of Holland ; they fought with invincible courage ; and they laboured with equal industry. A haughty court could not justly calculate to what degree such men could carry resistance. It estimated them as common men, without grand and sublime incentives, and it w^as baffled and deceived. The vicinity of powerful neighbours, the disadvantages of nature, and the smallness of their numbers, did not daunt them. What stronger example can be afforded of the truth of the position just laid down ? and who is there that would not prefer dying in the marshes of such a country, rather than languish under despot- ism, and feebly prolong the existence of a slave ? The country approaching to Leyden, is flat and poor-looking land : as we advanced, nothing interesting appeared, and Tom Jones became again our source of amusement. The animation of this capital work never 118 flags: we were always more and more amused by it. Every one had read it before, bat every one enjoyed it, more than formerly. I do not know but the reading such a Work, in the midst of sedateness and still life, gave it a greater zest. We closed it reluctantly on entering Ley den. This is a large and handsome town, though apparently decaying : it. is intersected with canals, and the Rhine runs through it. The front of the Town- house is of a noble appearance. The library is large and good, and contains, among others, a good portrait of Erasmus. As we turned our steps towards the Hague, our tour throuoh Holland drew towards a termination. The approach to that justly- celebrated town is distinguished by nume- rous and handsome villas, ornamenting the banks of the canal. As we entered the Hague, the moon lighted us on our way, and the ouiet waters of the canal murmured as we glided gently along. We had now ar- rived at the once celebrated seat of govern- ment in Holland. Often had it been the focus of negotiations, where the greatest cha- 119 racters had been assembled, and the voice of the United States then ranked with that of kingdoms and empires. The illustrious house of Orange, (illustrious as long as they felt and fought for their country like patriots and brave men) long had held here its rited pre-eminence. The Hague was also rendered interesting by the long residence of Sir William Temple. That able statesman has, perhaps, been exceeded by few in the walks of public or private life. Unable to stem the tide of baseness in the profligate reign of Charles the II. he retired very early from public life, carrying with him the esteem of a sovereign, who venerated the man whose councils he had no! virtue enough to follow, the approbation of the English nation, the re- spect of foreign nations, and the regard of the Hollanders. Early withdrawing from public life, he devoted his time to literature, his gardens, and his family ; and left behind him an example for statesmen, rarely followed, but ever to be admired. The morning sue- ceeding our arrival at the Hague gave us 120 an agreeable surprize. That village, as it ii called, but much rather that beautiful town, strikes the traveller's eye, in Holland, in a most agreeable manner. It is elegant and airy, although in a flat country ; the trees, the houses, and canals, have all a light effect, and one sees evident marks of this place ha\> ing been the residence of people of rank, taste, and elegance. A noble wood, of fine beech and oak trees, skirts the town, It is here of peculiar beauty, nature being little controlled, or moulded in any part of it, and the trees being of good size, very much heightens and enhances its beauties. Wood is the only tiling in Holland which interposes itself to relieve the universal monotony of level ground, canals, and towns. The drive through it to the Maisun de Bois is very charming. That palace, which belonged to the House of Orange, is not remarkable for beauty or situ- ation It was in very good order, and con-: tained some good pictures. The plainness and moderation, of this palace, formerly in- habited bv the head of the government, suited the character of the nation. The 121 brother of the French Emperor had not then possessed it. It was silent and dull. We left it to drive through the wood, which, with its natural charms, repaid us for the ennui of traversing through empty state apartments. Mr. Fox was very much pleased with the Hague, and with this wood, which received admiration from us all. We looked at Mon* sieur Fagel's place, near it, which is pretty, though a little out of order, and we drove to Scheveling, on the sea shore, Great num- bers of large boats were arriving, and the picture was a lively and original one. The Dutch seamen, with their huge boots, seemed formed to live in, as well as upon, the Sea; and when they got into the water, to get out their fish, and pull in their boats, they appeared in their proper element. It is a long, sandy beach, at Scheveling. Here the Stadtliolder embarked, when he tied. I believe Holland suffered nothing from his abdication ; but when I stood on the shore, I could not re- frain from despising the man who flies when his cou nrry is in danger, unless it be that he has governed it ill, and fears the just resent- 122 merit of his countrymen ; in which case I should have been glad to have assisted him into his boat. I have no compassion for suffering royalty, where its own crimes and misdemeanors bring exile or flight upon its head. Least of all should I have it for the person who governed the Dutch ill : a peo- ple so orderly, so moral, and regular ; whose domestic life is an example for government, and, if followed, must ensure success, very little deserved to be mal- treated by any sort of mal-administration, whether touching affairs at home or abroad. I cannot conceive that a good man could have occasion to fly from such a nation ; if a bad one felt that it Was expedient and necessary to depart, there seemed an acquittance between both parties, and the head of government, to obtain a reasonable measure of lenity. We saw one picture, however, at the Hague, which, as it must fill any person with horror who views it, must derogate a good deal from my praises of Dutch moderation and calmness— I allude to the massacre of the De Witts. The death of these excellent men, and 123 true patriots, is but too faithfully depicted in a small picture at the Maison de Bois. It excited great disgust in Mr Fox, am* • nh great reason ; nor can I now allow nv self to particularize a subject which yet gives me pain. Without justifying the mistaken fury of the populace on this melancholy occasion, one can only say, that if such tremendous excess can be at all paliafed, it is where a brave and free people have reason to appre- hend an insidious attack upon their liberties. Amongst a thousand instances, this is »>ne which deserves notice, of Mr. Fox's admi- rable force of mind, equally reprobating the direful rage of the populace, as the vindica- tive cruelty of a tyrant. It was q. it dis- tressing to him to speak upon the catas- trophe of the De Witts. His cbuntenau, e was full of horror at sight of the memora'b e picture, and the soul of the sorrowing pa- triot spoke melancholy things/in his coun- tenance, at the moment. There wa-:, in truth, nothing more remarkable in this great man, than an extreme tenderness of nature, which powerfully 'impelled him to abhor, and to avoid, everything cruel andsuii^ui- 124: nary ; whilst there was also a decision and grandeur of mind in him, prompting the boldest resolves, and most instantaneous modes of action. Mr. Fox's disposition taught him to govern at home with paren- tal mildness, and always to conciliate and encourage, rather than terrify ; his genius led him to chuse the grandest measures, in foreign politics, and to make war short, by making it, decided. How can one forbear adverting to the senseless clamour, and ma- lignant calumnies, which for a long time, at aome, depicted such a character as an incen- diary, and lover of tumult and insurrection ? How active was thesvstem, earlv established in this reign, to represent Mr. Fox as a needy revolutionist, who would smile at the over- throw of the throne, and look with indif- ference upon torrents of blood. Hovr lamentable that the upholders of that system achieved their purpose, and accom- plished their mercenary end at the expense of a great and deluded nation ! How much more likely that they w^ould have equalled the fury of the Hollanders against the De Witts, if their spoils had been inva- 125 ded, than that the mild spirit of Fox would have sanctioned insubordination, or looked with unconcern upon blood and massacre. We spent a most happy day at the Hague. The weather was fine, and not too hot ; the wood was quite captivating to us, and the drive to Schcveling, between rows of fine trees, very agreeable. Certainly, there was nothing lively at the Hague ; and, as the seat of government, it was changed : indeed all was devoid of interest in that point ; and I apprehend future travellers must, as I did, recur to history, and appeal to their own ima- ginations, when passing through Holland hereafter, to give it interest to their minds ; for it appears to have sunk under a domina- tion too powerful, and too contiguous, to escape from. The want of political objects, I was able to very agreeably supply, by con- tinuing my reading of the ./Eneid. In this Mr. Fox joined with undiminished pleasure, and here we read the 10th book : he marked, and repeated with much feeling, more than once, the passage, ft Pallas, Evander in ipsi* Omnia sunt oculis," &c. &c. 126 I rather think that the characters of Evan- der and Bailas were his favourite ones, (ah hough !• must include that of Dido.) Whoever reads with attention the 8th book of the ^Eneid, 1 mean > the attention of a man of feeling, not the Cold examination of a poring scholar, will allow that his par- tiality was very justly bestowed. Nothing can be more happily conceived, or more beautifully described, than the entrance of iEneas into the Tyber. The simplicity and dignity of Evander's character, with greafc reason, attracted Mr. Fox's attention ; hifc manner of reply, " Turn sic pauca refert : Ut te, fortisslme Yeucrum, Accipio adgnoscoque libens !" &c. &C. iim, I .■ - •» His hospitality so generous and easy,- hk peculiar frankness and exemption from all disguise, naturally pleased him. There is nothing more elegant than the complimentary invitation of Evander to iEneas, where he alludes to Hercules ; no- thing more worthy a great mind. 127 ' ( Aude, hospes, contemnere opes : et te q.uoque (lignum Finge deo, rebusque veni non asper.egenis." The description of Evander arising in the morning is beautiful ; and throughout, his exalted and unaffected character is the same — how natural the description, " Evandrum ex liumili tecto lux suscitat alma, Et matutini volucrum sub culmina cantus. Consurgit senior," &c. &c. But it is as a father that he is above all things admirable ; after informing iEneas of the Allies he may obtain, his continuation, . . • • . ■ - . " Hunc tibi prasterea spes ct solatia nostri Pallanta adjungam, sub te tolerare ma^jstro Militiam et grave Martis opus, tua cernere facta Adsuescat, primis ette miretur ab annis," is so full of the father, and the old warrior, that nothing can be better: his parting pray- er I have quoted ; and his heart must be formed of iron materials, who does not imagine to himself the old man carried fainting into his mansion, destined never more to behold this beloved and onlv son — who does not give a sigh for the sufferings of this venerable man. 128 Pallas himself is very interesting. In the 10th book, Virgil, with on£ of those small, but fine touches of nature, represents him close to JEneas, on board ship. " Hie magnus sedet /Eneas, secumque volutat Eventus belli varios ; Pallasque sinistro Affixus lateri jam quaerit sidera, opacae Noctis iter; jam quaepassus terraque marique." His shame and anger, when his Arca- dians retreat, and his burning valour, place him in a very natural and engaging point of view. " Quo iugitis, Soeii ? per vos et fortia facta, Per duels Evandri nomen, devictaque bella, Spiemque meam, patriae quae nunc subitaemula laudi Fidite ne pedibus, ferro rumpenda per hostes Est via, qua globus ille virum densissimus uiget." The lamentation of the Arcadians bearing Pallas on a shield, is melancholy to an extra- ordinary degree. " O dolor, atque deeus magnum rediture parenti ! Hfec te prima dies be!U> dedit, hrec eadem aufert ; ' Cum tamen ingentes Rutulorum linquis acervos." It is then that the poet bursts forth in the passage Mr, Fox so much admired, « 129 -Pallas, Evander, in ipsis, Omnia sunt oculis : mensae, quas advena primas Tune adiit, dextiaeque datae." Nor, I believe, is there any more happy instances than this of the exercise of the divine art, which, presenting us with a suc- cession of living pictures, suddenly recals the past, and raises up before us the images we have almost forgotten, with more than pristine freshness. All the hospitality, the candour, and the affection of Evander, are brought forward — his plighted faith, his unbounded confidence in iEneas — and then Pallas lifeless — his only comfort in age. Were there no other, this passage might, will immortalize Virgil as a poet of genuine feeling and taste. The conclusion of the 10th book, the death of Lausus, and the resistance and fall of Mezentius, Mr. Fox did not fail very much to admire. If I may venture to express any very decided opinion, I incline to think that the concluding part of the 10th book, is nothing inferior to any part of the ^Eneid. The Author has introduced, without the K 130 least repetition, the characters of another father, and another son, after the death of Pallas ; the last hope of Evander. The battle episode of Mezentius and Lausus, is of the highest interest. I do not know if a modern poet of much celebrity studied the part of Mezentius at the river, but I think it incom- parably superior to the modern hero's descrip- tion. I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of transcribing it; and if I appear tedious or impertinent, let it be recollected with whom I read it ; and let me be forgiven this humble and grateful remembrance of happy hours no more, and this little tribute, not to the Statesman but to the scholar and poet. " Interea genitor Tyberini ad fluminis undam Vulnero siccabat lymphis, eorpusque levabat Arboris adclinis trunco. Procul aerea ramis Dependet galea, et prato gravia arm a quiescunt. Stant leeti circum juvenes : ipse aeger, anhelan* Colla fpyetj fusus propexam in pectore barbam : - Multa super Lauso rogitat, multumque remittit, Qui revocent, mustiquee ferant mandata parentis. At lausum socii exanimem super arma ferebant Flentes, ingentem, atque ingenti vulnere victim. Adgnovit longe gemitum prte>;iga mali mens. Canitiem multo deformat pulvere, et ambas Ad caelum tendit palmas, et corpore inhseret." 131 In making the death of a tyrant so very un- happy, Virgil has shewn himself an enemy to oppression, and worthy the name of Roman. His regret for injuring his son, heightens his consciousness of having deserved the hatred of his subjects. " Idem ego, Hate, tuilra maculavi crimine nomen, Pulsus ob invidiam solio sceptrisque paternis. [Jehureram patriae pcenas, odiisque meorum : Gmnis per mortes animam sontem ipse dedissem." Afraid, too, of wanting burial, he asks it from his conqueror. " Corpus luimo patiare tegi : scio acerba meorum Circumstare odia : hunc, (oro) defcade furorem." How deplorable this end ; and yet how justly merited. — The stories of Evander and Pallas, of Mezentius and Lausus, are almost equally affecting at their termination, though different in their nature. Mr. Fox remarked to me on our journey through Flanders, that there was a tincture of melancholy in the mind of Virgil, which shews itself in all his works. We prepared to leave the Hague with reluctance. It had pleased us all. I never remember Mr. Fox more happy, k 2 132 more serene, that at the Hague. Whether the beauty of the place, association of ideas, the pleasantness of the weather, or the ad- dition of Virgil, contributed most, it is hard to say, but each contributed ; and this great man did not feel among the least of his gratifications, that we were all happy and entertained also. We set out for Delft by the canal. The same country, and the same objects, as Holland in general presents, were again before us. Delft, a good and large town, intervened, ^nd we continued our way. The 11th book of the /Eneid beguiled the time, till, entering Rotterdam, we were struck with admiration at its beauty. This is the handsomest town, perhaps, in Holland: it is intersected by grand and long canals : large ships and stately trees are dispersed in every part, and Rotterdam looks quite the capital of wealthy and select merchants. There is not the universal occupation of Amsterdam, its great population, or extent ; but there is enough of business to animate, and there is an air of commercial grandeur every where. The statue of Erasmus, that great scholar and good man, in bronze, is very good. The 133 Bombkis, a quay extending above half a mile along the Maese, adorned by noble houses, and fine trees, however, is the grand orna- ment of Rotterdam. On our entrance, we saw Admiral Story's house on one of the quays : the boatman spoke of him with marked repro- bation, but said De Winter " was a brave man and good patriot." As we crossed the Maese, the view of Rotterdam, its shipping, trees, &c. gradually became more beautiful. It was a fine termi- nation of our short and rapid tour through Holland ; and, entering Brabant, we reached Bergen-op-Zoom in the evening. Bergen- op-Zoom is well known as one of strongest fortified places in Europe. I walked early in the morning upon the ramparts, from whence the view is very extensive. It stretches far around, and I took my last farewel of Holland from thence. The lines of for- tification, scarps and counterscarps, bastions, and half- moons, of Bergen-op-Zoom, afford- ed a barren pleasure, compared to the con- templation of such a country. I consider- \strx'" In his reply he does not allude to the parents of Patrocius ; saying, merely, e jj.iv j/.u.f'.a. T'/)Xo9/ vctf^fic, E^lT." Which is the usual and constant reflection among the ancients on the death of a friend, and countryman. I must allow that the grief manifested by Achilles on hearing of the death of Patrocius, was of the deepest 145 or rather most violent kind. Homer that sublime and incomparable representer of Nature, on that occasion, certainly gives a most exquisite and strong picture of grief. " ' rov 1? a.yt.'jc, i'umque in castra ferebat." There is more dignity in the grief of iEneas throughout, than in that of Achilles ; at the same time we must allow for the difference of the characters, and of the circumstances attending. I observe in the book I have before me, the part marked where Evander meets the dead body of his son. We finished the 11th book at the Hague, and, on recurring to the iEneid, I feel fresh reason for admiring Mr. Fox's partiality for every passage relating to the Arcadian King. No mind of sen- 147 sibility can fail of sympathizing with Evan- der, on this last melancholy occasion. When the mournful sounds of the Trojan and Arcadian attendants reached his ears, Evander cannot be restrained. " At non Evandrum potis est vis ulla tenere : Sed venit in medios : fe retro Pallanta reposto Procubuit super, atquehaeretlacrymansque gemensque, Et via vix tandem voci laxa ta dolore est." The following lamentation of Evander is very particularly marked : the last words, I think, yet reverberate in my ears. " Non haec 6, Palla, dederas promissa parenti, Cautius ut saevo velles te credere Marti. Haud iguarus eram, quantum nova gloria in armis, Et prsedulee deeus primo certamine posset. Primitive juvcnis miserae, bellique propinqui Dura rudimcnta, et nulli exaudita deorum Vota precesque meae! tuque, 6 sanctissima conjunx Felix morte tua, neque in hunc servata dolorem ! Contra ego vivendo vici mea fata, superstes Restarem ut genitor. Troum socia arma sccutum Obruerent Rutuli telis : animam ipse dcdissem, Atque haec pompa domum me, non Pallanta, referret. Nee vos arguerim Teucri, nee foedera, nee, quas Junximus hospitio dextras : sors ista senectae Debita erat nostrae." L 2 148 And the concluding line and a half is also marked as the " so?^s ista," t( Non vitae gaudia qusero, Nee fas : sed nato manis perferre sub imos." Were I to indulge in superstitious feelings, I might conjecture that these melancholy passages pleased Mr. Fox more peculiarly from a presentiment that his own decease was not far distant : but I should not feel authorised to advance this supposition, for he never was more serene and cheerful. I do not know, however, but that I might state, that there was a tincture of melancholy on his, as in Virgil's mind, at least of great tenderness, which made him dwell on such passages as I have quoted, with equal feel- ing, and a sort of refined delight. I was accustomed, when I read the ^Eneid on this tour, to communicate my ideas to him as I proceeded ; and he always joined, with the liveliest interest, in re-considering and re- marking upon the thousand beauties of the charming author whom we studied, in this cursory, but very pleasing manner. I have 149 no hesitation in saying, that Mr. Fox re* ceived more pleasure from this kind of friendly examination of an author he loved so much, than he would have done from all the homage crowds of flatterers and admirers could pay, or from the dazzling attentions of royalty, or from the splendour and fasci- nation of a brilliant levee. His own virtues were so eminently domestic, that all those sources of rational pleasure, which the poet opens to us, were prized by him far above those common and vulgar delights which splendid rank or power, or mere wealth, bestow. Often had I marked this disposi- tion at St. Anne's Hill ; and now, when every thing flattering and agreeable opened its view, when he was about to mix amongst the first and most exalted characters of Europe ; drawn to Paris by curiosity, busi- ness, or pleasure, when he expected to meet the first warrior, and, undoubtedly, the most extraordinary man of the age ; I saw him calmly, and, indeed, with unfeigned satis- facton, devoting part of his time to Virgil, enlightening me by his remarks, and, in his admiration of the Roman poet, forgetting 150 politics, the continent we travelled on, and all the warfare and ambition of man. His mind soared so highly above selfish ideas, that, whilst others, through vanity, or through mercenary motives, anxiously, and with pitiable avidity, looked for changes of ministry, and all the sweets of pomp and place, this excellent man enjoyed Virgil with all the warmth of glowing youth ; and, truly rich in the possession of a mind, whose inter- nal resources were inexhaustible and indepen- dent, he smiled upon the cares of crowned heads, and the toils of their ministers and courtiers. At Brussels, having finished the .ZEneid, our readings in Latin ceased, and we now began to perceive our approximation to the capital. Mr. Fox had letters from his friends, urging him to hasten his journey; and having completed his Flemish and Dutch tour, had nothing farther to detain him. As no man felt the calls of friendship more strongly, he became himself desirous of proceeding without delay. Attached warmly to his family, he had also another inducement,— 151 Lord Holland and his family were at Paris, and were anxiously looking for him, as he lived with his nephew as a brother and friend, and the disparity of years was lost in mutual affection. Lord Holland, without that grandeur of character which distinguished his uncle — without that bold and enthusiastic devotion to liberty and her sacred rights, which in- spird him — without that disdain of the tram- mels of political party, which made Mr. Fox always independent, though sometimes con- ceding — was still highly worthy of his ex- alted relative's warmest affection and esteem. His candour, mildness, and liberality, every where insured him friends ; and as his tone of mind in many respects resembled his uncle's, there existed the utmost cordiality, and the sincerest friendship between them. Added to these inducements, there were others. The establishment of Buonaparte in the Consulship for life, was disclosing a new state of things. The constitution changing 152 from a republic to that of a government for life in one person, caused every one to think that before long, men would revert back, if not to the ancient, at least to something re- sembling the ancient monarchy. Of course we were desirous of beholding this commence- ment of the new government, and without making any decision whether the people were right in bestowing, orBuonaparte in ac- cepting, supreme power for life, we wished very much to be witnesses of a novel state of things, novel in a country, too, where every thing had been so for the last ten years. I much wished myself to get to Paris, not from any inordinate wish to see the cele- brated person whose name and exploits had filled Europe so long a time, (for had I felt such a wish, it would have been diminished a good deal by his assumption of permanent power) but from natural anxiety to view that city, the scene of so many revolutionary horrors — the established arbitress of taste and elegance — and the depository of all that was exquisite and valuable of antiquity, and 153 modern productions of art. Mrs. Fox, also, very naturally began to feel warmly desirous of getting to this centre of every thing inte- resting and elegant ; and as Mr. Fox studied the gratification of all her wishes, every thing concurred to make the remainder of our journey rapid. We did not omit, however, seeing every thing at Brussels. U Ecole central, (in the old palace) is upon a very grand scale : there is attached to it a botanical garden — a col- lection of paintings — a school for drawing and for mathematics — for experimental phy- sics, chemistry, &c. &c. — Here we also saw near two hundred very tine orange-trees; they had belonged to the Austrian government, to Archdukes, or Archduchesses, never more destined to command at Brussels. There were, as we heard, many houses in and about Brussels to let. Living is very reasonable here, not more than the quarter of what it is in England. I can suppose no situation more desirable for a person of mo- derate fortune : the upper part of the town is remarkably handsome and airy : the houses l r >4 round the part which stands high, have a delightful appearance and charming prospect, as the country all around is rich and beau- tiful, well enclosed, and much dressed and ornamented with trees, having a forest on one side. The church had, under the revolu- tionary mania, suffered some strange dedica- tion, according to the prevailing mode of re- nouncing revelation, and flying from every rational and established mode of faith. I saw the inscription, but do not exactly recollect it. The church was, at this time, about to be restored to its ancient ministers, and its venerable worship, and the inscription was, doubtless, soon effaced. The theatre we found large, but dirty, and the actors not very good. The most pleasing sight, how- ever, was the Alice verte, illuminated. This is a very fine avenue, a mile, I think, long, with double rows of trees on each side. It was beautifully lighted up, and filled with a great number of people, chiefly Flemings. Their strange, grotesque, and clumsy appear- ance, was very diverting. They walked about as if willing to exhibit their uncooth forms to curious spectators ; and enjoyed, in a consi- 155 siderable degree, their promenade. A strong military guard paraded up and down, which to me added nothing to the agrdment of the evening : as, however, it was very fine, the company numerous and orderly, and the whole quite a new and really grand sight, our little party enjoyed it much. The good Flemings would doubtless have liked it better, had it not been to celebrate a new order of things ; but as they had little to regret under the Austrian domination of latter years, they did not feel much pain on this fes- tive occasion ; although the order that those neglecting to illuminate in town, should be delivered to the municipal officers, could not have impressed them with a very complacent opinion of the new government. The duties laid on here and at Antwerp were said to be equally high. Here we heard of Monsieur Chauvclin, who was said to live a retired private life in Burgundy. The remembrance of this gen- tleman in 1802, brought with it many im- portant considerations. Had Lord Gren- J 56 vilie possessed the conciliating manners and enlarged views of Mr. Fox ; had the minis- ter for foreign affairs in England, or the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was minister for all affairs, been capable of rationally weighing the events of futurity with intuitive judgment, and of viewing, with the benignant eye of a true statesman, the effervescence and agitations of a long oppressed nation ; nay, had the ministers of the day, in 1793, possessed the hearts of Englishmen of the old school, they would have venerated the struggle for liberty, made by a sister nation, which had been long ridiculed and despised for its subser- vience to a grand monarque, and they would respectfully have said, every nation is free to choose her own government, our's has asserted this right at all times when neces- sary. Let the French nation decide for itself. You, M. Chauvelin, accredited as the minister of France, shall be acknowledged as the representative of a great nation ; if she be free, we respect her more and more ; but upon her internal commotions, or her form of government, monarchical or re- 157 publican, we say not a word. Had such been lord Granville' s language, on the momen- tous day when he ignominiously dismissed M. Chauvelin, what seas of blood would have been spared to France and all Europe. Monsieur Chauvelin, in his retirement, has nothing to reproach himself with; can Lord Granville, at Dropmore, calmly reconsider past occurrences between him and that gentle- man, and not feel anguish and remorse at rashness, whereby the relations between England and France were rudely snapped asunder, and a long, almost interminable, contest has been entailed upon the two nations. I do not recollect Mr. Fox saying a word about M. Chauvelin while at Brussels. 1 could not but think of past events, when I heard his name there, in 1802 ; — and now, in 1811, I think a great deal more upon a sober, and if I may call it, an historical view, of M. Chauvelin' s affair. At Brussels lived the ex-director Barras. As this person had acted so conspicuous a part in the republic, I should have been glad 158 to have seen him ; but as our time was short, and all our thoughts now turned to Paris, we had no opportunity of meeting him. To him Buonaparte owed his introduction, and elevation in the republic : through him he obtained his command in Italv, which co- vered him with so much glory ; and at that critical moment, when the fate of the di- rectory was in suspense, the abdication of Barras, and his testimony in favour of ge- neral Buonaparte, greatly conduced to assist his views. Mr. Fox, however, manifested no wish to see this ex-director. Staying one day at Brussels, we dined in the country, at the house of Mr. Walkyis, a merchant of high respectability, — his house commanding one of the finest views I ever beheld. A most amiable and hospitable family, and an elegant entertainment, await- ed us here. It seemed to me a revival of those days, when Flanders was independent, and the ally of English monarchs. When Edward the 1st was the guest and friend of her citizens, and gratefully acknowledged the efficacy of their assistance. There was an air of liberality and freedom in the society, 159 as this charming mansion of Mr. AValkyis, extremely respectable, and the opulence and taste, every where prevalent, was not less striking. Mr. and Mrs. Fox enjoyed the day much, and we left the house in the even- ing, with great regret. No person could maintain the dignified character of a weal- thy and enlightened merchant better than Mr. Walkyis. His fortune had suffered something in the Flemish disturbances, but this had nothing altered the hospitality of his nature, or the ease of his manners. The loss he bore as a philosopher, and his remain- ing fortune he enjoyed, and continued to enjoy, in a manner worthy of praise. Mr. Fox was here, and I believe somewhat on this latter account, peculiarly attentive and affable : his manner seemed to say, if you have been deprived of some of your wealth, do not imagine that your friends will respect you less. Indeed, this great man, who in general might be deemed simple and retiring in his manner in society, until drawn forth, omitted no occasion, when the feelings of others were concerned, and when they might be deemed particularly 160 susceptible of coldness or neglect, of coming forward, in a marked manner, to evince re- spect to, and to cheer, by a sort of irresistible kindness of demeanour and conversation, those whom he thought at all depressed, or in any way affected by misfortune. We left Brussels on the 17th of August, and found the day extremely hot : we recur- red again to Tom Jones, and forgot the little inconveniences of the journey. We were now drawing to the end of our tour, and had been much indebted to the genius of Fielding for amusement and instruction. We had accompanied Tom Jones through the stages of his vouth and manhood, where, if exceptionable parts w T ere to be found, w T e had also found much to approve and ad- mire. The hero, though faulty, was not hardened ; and if necessity drove him to some meannesses, he felt his debasement, and despised his own conduct ! Such a charac- ter, though not precisely to be held up for imitation, is, however, more instructive than the heroes of romance, the faultless or too exalted knight, who does not seem of our 161 species ; as Tom Jones is also with all his indiscretions on his head, far preferable to those much more dangerous personages in modern novels, whose voluptuous authors seem to conceive, that libertine immorality, clothed in eloquent language, are sure to gain approbation and support. Mr. Fox was fond of novels, but not of any of this latter class. Their verbiage, and want of fidelity to nature, were sure to dis- gust him. I have read to him, at times, a great many, but none of this description. In the Arabian Nights Entertainments he delighted much, (and who would not ?) for there was to be found a faithful and ini- mitable picture of Oriental manners and cus- toms, as well as much ingenuity, fancy, and knowledge of human nature; but in the pages of sensuality, expanding itself in various shapes in the modern novel, he found no pleasure ; and the irreligious passages gave him still less, as no man treated the sacred subject of religion with greater respect and forbearance than he did. "We were now journeying, with Tom Jones as our compa- M 162 nion, through a fertile country, and dined at Mons, a large old town, containing nothing interesting. In this day's journey we passed the cele- brated field of Gemappe. The ground is mostly flat, excepting a small sloping hill, extending a considerable way. It was here Dumouriez's glory reached its acme: here was decided the fate of the Netherlands, and it may be said, the fate of France and of Eu- rope. General Dumouriez shewed extraor- dinary spirit and activity on this celebrated field, having thrown off, as was said to us, both his coat and waistcoat, and fought in that manner in the battle. At that period France was stuggling amidst great difficulties. The battle of Gemappe gave her a noble country, and raised her military reputation so high, that, as the spirits of the nation be- came elevated, the course of the coalesced powers grew doubtful ; from thence, there was abundant proof, in the extraordinary energy displayed by the French army, and their commander, on this occasion, that the attempt to control the internal regulation of 163 France was likely to recoil upon the diffe- rent crowned heads embarking in it. Gene- ral Dumouriez, unfortunately for himself, did not continue in this career of glory ; he, too, like the ministers and statesmen of the day, miscalculated upon the state of things in France, and imagined that a govern- ment which had totally forfeited the confi- dence of the people, could be restored to strength and life. Royalty had lost its former attractions ; and, unless Louis XVI. had left a son of un- common promise, as to talent and disposi- tion, capable of reuniting in himself the hopes of the nation, and exempt from the influence of a mother who had courted the hatred and contempt of the people, there was little probability of its restoration in the line of the Bourbons. The slender hopes of the young prince, were rendered smaller by General Dumouricz's subsequent defection, and by the equivocal conduct pursued by the allied powers. We passed through a fine country, the m ' 7 .. 164 whole of the day's journey, and arrived in the evening at Valenciennes, an old-fashioned and dull-looking town. As this place had surrendered to the Duke of York, it was another memorandum of the errors of the allies; it was taken possession of in the name of the emperor of Germany, and thus that very disposition for conquest imputed to the French, was manifested by the allies. I perceive very little disposition in Mr. Fox, to be interested in the military events attend- ing the revolution : whether his disposition was averse to those deeds of blood, digni- fied in history by a false and mischievous glare of thoughtless applause, or that (as I incline to imagine) he mourned secretly over all those calamities which he had ineffec- tually raised his voice to prevent, he said little on such points. The agriculture of the country, passages of Tom Jones, natu- ral history, the poets, and all those pleasant little occurrences which diversify the scene,, and entertain ihose who travel with a desire to be pleased, as well as informed, occu- pied him. We were now shortly to enter into the splendour and bustle of Paris. 165 It was with some regret I felt this, though certainly one must be very insensible, when nearly touching the goal, not to feel an al- most breathless expectation at the thougnt of seeing so celebrated a city. My regret arose from considering that that complete and perfect enjoyment of the society of Mr. Fox, which made c-ar tour so happy, was about to end. Sincere friendship has little need of the amusement of the world, to make the hours pass swiftly ; it rests sa- tisfied with the enjoyments jt can always supply, and is ever jealous of those crowds which interrupt, but cannot add to its sa- tisfaction. In the latter part of our little tour, I had experienced rhis truth most pow- erfully. Mr. Fox had throughout appeared so happy, and cheerful, that our small society wanted nothing of the charm of a new and brilliant eourt, to increase its felicity. It was with this mixed sensation that 1 now saw our distance from Paris hourly diminish. We stopped for some time at Cam bray. It is a respectable town. The inn we 166 drove to had been a convent. The church was converted into a barn, and though full of the produce of harvest, and of farm- ing utensils, the organ remained still in its place at the upper end. This was another melancholy testimony of the violence of the times, when religion suffers outrage, from the direful ascendancy of the illiterate mob. The celebrated manufactory of cam- bric still holds its ground here, though that also had suffered. It was now reviving, and we saw some specimens of astonishing beau- ty and fineness. Who could pass through Cambray, without recollecting Fenelon, that enchanting author and excellent man ? How grateful the remembrance of him, the benefactor of his country, and friend of man ! How pleasing after contemplating the vestiges of revolutionary rage, and the traces of desperate innovators, who sought not the happiness of their fellow subjects, so much as their own aggrandize- mf nt, and revenge against those upper classes, whose faults were to be ascribed to their education, to a bad government, to the frailty of weak man ; not to any studied 167 plan of tyranny, or depressing their infe- riors. * We observed a considerable cultivation of poppies through French Flanders, which have a charming effect when in bloom, as we saw them. On our approach to Valen- ciennes, the country visibly became inferior to that called the Netherlands : the agricul- ture was not so good, and the houses were very indifferent compared to those of the Flemings. We entered old France at Per- sonne. As in Flanders the traces of ancient freedom, and of republican prosperity, had plainly declared the excellency of the con- stitution enjoyed for ages by the people, so in France there was an obvious contrast, and the withering hand of despotism had marked it in another manner. The rule of the Bourbons, for so many centuries, had cramped the powers of the French, and evidently enfeebled the character of the nation. These monarch S no longer possessing the noble character of King Henry the fourth, his valour and generosity had degenerated 168 into royal voluptuaries, and, trusting the administration of affairs to their courtiers, and mistresses, had disgraced the govern- ment of the nation, at the head of which they were placed. In a country so ruled, one could not wonder at seeing houses and agriculture inferior to those of Flanders. The last davs of our journev proved ex- tremely hot. After leaving Valenciennes we returned to Tom Jones. I recollect a circumstance which affected me a good deal in reading this work : it was the description of a great commoner, at the end of one of the chapters. It seemed to paint the cha- racter of Mr. Fox with so much truth and animation, paying a tribute to his benevo- lence, than which nothing was ever better deserved, that I could not proceed for some moments. Why do tears sometimes in- trude when the most grateful sensations, and none but pleasing affections of the mind, are touched? I do not know ; unless it be that the warmth of gratitude may enervate the mind at certain moments ; and that, when 169 it cannot repay obligations by actions, it speaks its sense of them through tears. Mr. Fox said nothing. He was peculiarly unwilling to ascribe any thing of a flattering nature to himself, and was, generally, rather embarrassed by any thing of that kind. How very unlike the generality of celebrated men, who but too often require applause and flattery to feed their vanity. On our last day's journey, and some hours before we entered Paris, we finished Tom Jones. This book had been our pleasant companion, and we now took leave of it with regret. I was not then aware, alas! that I had closed its pages for ever — that I should never again travel and read the works of this excellent English author, in the society of Mr. Fox ! I have never since looked at the book, but it will be a memorial to me of moments I can never hope to find equalled: they are gone; and he who lis- tened with such complacency and cheerful- ness, shall not hear the voice of his friends, and those dearest to him, again. But the remembrance of this little tour am never die 170 with those who travelled with him ! Caa they forget his constant urbanity, t-1 e plea- santness of his manners, and his easy partici- pation, in all the gaieties of our journey ? Always serene, always happy in himself, he never incommoded or troubicu any one, and those he had chosen as his companions, he never failed to treat and acknowledge as his equals. I must not, however, omit to mention ano- ther book I read a little on the road and at Brussels. J allude to the Orlando Furioso of Ariosta. Of this work Mr. Fox was exces- sively fond ; and as I agreed with him in this partiality, the reading some stanzas, and conversing on the beauties of this delightful poet, was another source of gratification not to be passed by, in giving a sketch of our short tour. Mr. Fox held Ariosta very high, thinking him equal, in some respects, to Virgil, and even his greatest of favorites, Homer. The fertility of his fancy, and the sublime and tender passages of his noble poem, delighted him much : doubtless, the charming language in which it is written, 171 and of which he was, with much reason, very fond, conduce to make the Orlando Furioso of Ariosta one of the most capti- vating of poems ; for as Greek may be deemed among the ancients the finest and most poetical of their languages, so the Ita- lian, among moderns*, is beyond all competi- tion, that which is best adapted to poetry and the stage. I now regret that I did not take the Iliad or Odvssy with me. These works Mr. Fox preferred to all others of the ancient classics ; and, was a choice to have been made, would have yielded all to have preserved them. His letters show his strong admiration of Homer ; and my readers will perceive in them, that he estimated Euripides very highly, and perhaps preferred him to all dra- matic writers ; yet Homer was the great poet, with him, who included every beauty, and had the fewest defects in his work, of any ancient or modern genius. Had another tour taken place — had Mr. Fox been spared health and life — had the 172 calm of St. Anne's Hill not been exchanged for public business and nightly debates at the House of Commons, these divine works might have been read in happier and still more auspicious hours. Mr. Fox anxiously desired to see Constan- tinople, and, I am persuaded, would have gone there, if peace and leisure had allowed bim. He spoke not ambiguously upon the subject, and when he said a little, it was tantamount to a great deal from others ; at least, there was a manner when he was quite earnest, and anxious, that was most intelli- gible, and was sure never to be belied, how- ever distant the period of accomplishing it might be. To have visited Constantinople with Mr. Fox ; to have stood on the Ionian shore, where Homer composed his noble verses, and to have investigated that country from whence that armament issued, whose exploits he so admirably sung, would have been a rare and enviable enjoyment ; — those favourite volumes in which we read the venerated author are lying before me. I am carried in my fancy through the noble 173 work, and can almost suppose myself sailing through the Hellespont, looking out for ruins, and listening for the sound of some melancholy lyre, breathing its lament, and accompanying the verses of Homer : it was too great presumption to have hoped this, but it is natural to reject it. Mr. Fox's observation on the Iliad, made on the spot, and those scenes where the principal actors are represented as having struggled and fought so long, would have been interest- ing to every scholar, and every person of feeling. What lover of Homer would not delight to have accompanied him, even in idea, to these classic spots, consecrated by genius, and immortalized by time and gene- ral consent. A cold critic's eye might detect mistakes, and annihilate the fond imagina- tion of walking on the ground, rendered precious and venerable by Homer; but a reasonable presumption would have sufficed, I am sure, had this favourite plan of Mr. Fox taken place, to have satisfied him as to the ocenery, and shores once animated by the contest of Grecians and Trojans. Achil- les mourning over his lyre, on the lonelv w shore ; Hector, a breathless corpse, dragged round Troy ; the aged Friam begging for his son's remains ; the clangor of arms ; the vile but sublime machinery of heathen deities; the innumerable touches from nature; the very colouring of the sea ; the noise of its waves ; all the similies of the divine poet would revive, and, warmed by imagi- nation's glowing power, have been felt as if time had retroceded, Troy's towers stood trembling before us, and all modern systems and histories been blotted away, there can be no doubt that the scene of action which a poet celebrates, and has drawn his images and descriptions, as much as possible, from, and which is connected with history, must be the proper spot for the perusal of his poem. It was a characteristic of Mr. Fox, that to all the acumen and knowledge of the scholar and critic, he united the sensibility and fire of the poet ; his remarks; therefore, drawn forth on the theatre of Grecian and •Trojan valour, would have had no common interest. If I may be permitted to suggest an idea 175 quite my own. but,Ithink, corroborated by the tenor of this great man's character, I should be inclined to suggest that his intention of going to Constantinople, was a strong symp- tom of having neither expectation nor desire of becoming minister. His indifTerence in regard to power, was so unfeigned and so great, that, I am persuaded, he looked for- ward with more hope and more pleasure to this future tour, than to any elevation which his country could bestow. The tour to Constantinople would not have been like the short trip through Flanders and Holland ; a year or two would have been required. Constantinople, Ionia, Greece, and the Grecian Isles, perhaps Egypt, would have required a good deal of time ; and he who had so well profited by the historian's pages, would have found abundant oppor- tunity for examination and reflection in these countries. Had he travelled thus a few years, the unanimous voice of these islands would have called for him, and the misguided, but well-meaning people of England, would have recognised that with the energies pro- 176 duced by a radical reform, and with the abilities of Mr. Fox to wield them, they might defy every enemy, and that, thus, the monarch would be secured, and the people relieved. The inscrutable ways of Heaven denied this course of events; Constantinople was not visited ; I lean over the Iliad and Odyssy in silence ; I turn the leaves with i affectionate and mournful veneration ; I look at them with a wandering eye ; their ho- nored possessor no more his seen. CHAPTER VI. A S this sketch of our short tour to Paris draws to a conclusion, I shall introduce some remarks, which I hope will not be deemed unapt or ill-placed. On this tour Mr. Fox appeared to me in quite a new light ; maintaining all the dig- nity of his character, he was easy, affable, and cheerful ; the little obstacles, disappoint- ments, or unpleasantnesses, of the way never ruffled him ; he paid all the bills in the dif- ferent coins and reckoning of the different countries, with astonishing facility ; never occasioned any delay on the road ; and, con- sulting the comfort and convenience of Mrs. Fox in every thing, seemed willing to enjoy every thing as we travelled, and to desire no attendance or attention himself. N J 78 Agriculture occupied a great deal of his observation ; and the interest he took in it was strong, and founded on his own prac- tical knowledge. Nothing I admired more in his character, at this time, than his entire abandonment to the scenes and objects around him. There was nothing of the mere Englishman to be perceived ; the man of science and fashion, an observer of nature, pleased with every thing, a bigot to no country, or prejudices, but an enlightened gentleman, and the friend to his fellow crea- ture, whether French, Dutch, or Flemish, without cavilling at their manners, customs, government, or religion. - On the whole journey a reprimand, or in- temperate w r ord, did not escape him ; and though, from the extreme heat, and his be- ing rather corpulent, he suffered inconve- nience often, yet he never evinced the least peevishness or impatience. I observed him, both as to his own little party, and the people on the road, to be, in all things, eminently forbearing, and saw that he ev< n put the best construction on things, and was 179 the first to extenuate or find an apology for deficiencies in others. On the score of religion, I perceived that he did not merely ioleratc, for that word ill applied to bis disposition on sacred mat- ters, but was truly benignant ; he conceived that all human beings enjoyed the exercise of religious worship, and the self-possession of religious opinions, as a matter of right, not to be controlled by their fellow men : that inoffensive and good citizens did not require the permission of others, for this mental enjoyment, and that all were entitled to honour the Deity, in a decent and pious manner, without reflection or reproach. There never escaped from his lips one disrespectful word regarding religion; never one doubtful smile was seen in his countenance in a place of worship, or the slightest derogation from a solemn and respectful regard for all around him. He was well aware how much nations, families, and individuals, dislike interference in the secret and conscientious worship of the mind, when it communicates with God, or communes with itself upon sacred sub- n2 180 jects : in fact, as a statesman he was too wise, as a christian too charitable and sincere, as a man too good and benevolent to wish to meddle with religion, and become a spiritual despot dictating, when every man who has the pride and feelings of man, desires to be left free. Had we travelled through the Netherlands, pre-disposed to depreciate and condemn every thing Catholic, how much would our enjoyment have been diminished ? The golden harvest would have waved less luxuriantly, the people have been despised, and their excellent husbandry and domestic virtues been undervalued. — Had we again disliked Presbyteriatiism, much of Holland would have lost its charm, animated as it is by commerce, and yet breathing the air, and having the port of a republic ? Religious antipathy is the most withering sentiment which corrodes the mind, more bitter than envy — more deep than hatred, and more permanent than revenge — it distorts history — perverts facts — and can be fully gratified only by extermination. Through the fertile and happy countries where we passed, I saw much to 43>"ght and to instruct — saw their 181 agriculture flourishing — theirhouses comfort- able, and their people possessing much of the solid enjoyments of life. I asked no one was he a Catholic, or a Presbyterian, or a Lutheran; — if every one was hospitable and friendly, it would have been base to pry into the interior of his mind, and require the cre- dentials of faith to qualify him for civil so- ciety. Mr. Fox's love of paintings was another disposition much conducive to his enjoyment in travelling : in this there was nothing of false taste : nature, not the favourite master, being ever his guide, and the object of his admiration. He relished much, also, the pic- turesque and domestic scenes of real life, was pleased with whatever had effect and merit, and gave to every thing its peculiar claim to it. Nothing is more valuable to the traveller, than his love of pictures, be they animated originals, or their faithful represen- tations. With such a fund of enjoyment in his breast, a man is constantly enjoying, as he passes along ; and if he has none of the anti-social prejudices alluded to above, he at 182 no time possesses more real happiness than in thus observing, and thus, in a thousand ways, enriching his mind. Mr. Fox, besides, was entertained with all the species of minor comedy, which is so constantly exhibiting in common life : he was often amused, when others got angry ; and he extracted entertainment from what would much have incommoded gravity and pride, or disturbed the temper of ordinary travellers. I have adverted to his knowledge of Bo- tany and Agriculture, which also were sources of great pleasure to him upon this journey. There is no species of information more useful to carry abroad than this ; I should incline to thinkit almost indispensable; for the various productions of nature, their cultivation and uses, presentso much amuse- ment to the traveller, and are so interesting to him who is conversant in them, that a great part of the benefit is lost to him who goes abroad quite insensible to, and ignorant of, the practical good of Agriculture. It is 183 a science which interests all in society, — it is a subject of the utmost importance to the great landholder, to the man of moderate fortune, to the farmer, and to the cottager, and I may add to the man of feeling. I observed, however, in this tour, that military affairs, fortifications, sieges, fields of battle, scenes of slaughter, &c. did not at all interest Mr. Fox : if I had said, that the latter disgusted him, I should not be wrong. His mind turned to every object connected with arts and sciences, but he did not dwell with any satisfaction, upon the bloody effects of human ambition and discord. With the qualities and dispositions I have described, it would be superfluous to say, that Mr. Fox's reflections and observations, on this little journey, given to the public in a perfect state, and written at length, would have been invaluable: he wrote a short journal of dates and distances, which is not deemed complete or interesting enough to submit to the public eye, having no 184 intention beyond a little book of memoran* dum for his own private recurrence. As our last day's journey was wearing away, I could not avoid meditating on the history of the last ten years. Recollecting that we had now left the conquests of France, more incorporated, and identified with herself, I could not but reflect on her career, and how short her stride, from anar- chy to permanent government, the form of a mighty empire. In 1796 Buonapartehad com- menced his Italian campaigns, and in 1800, he had attained supreme power. We were shortly to see this celebrated, and now ele- vated character, and the government and forms, rising from a new order of things. It was not, however, without painful ima- ginations, that one approached the city of Paris. The recollection of the multitude of lives immolated upon the shrine of san- guinary ambition, was almost appalling. The best and most enlightened patriots swept off in one common ruin, — their remains un- honoured, and their families living in ob- scurity, indigence, and misery. It was a, 185 sickening, yet unavoidable reflection. And is this city, I meditated, — is this city to be stamped with infamy, and marked with blood for ever ? Are the massacres, and religions wars of old times, too, to rise up, and add to these frightful thoughts? the cold-blooded tyranny of Louis the 11th — the dreadful era of Charles the 9th — his perfidious mother — ■ and of Henry the 3d. — the ambitious ge- nius keeping alive the flame of discord. — the despotism of Richelieu, the profligate Regent-— Louis the 15th enervating their minds, and ruining their government — the Carlovingian and Capetian races now extinct- — the last of the reigning Caputs mouldering in some dis- regarded spot, the victim of the crimes of his ancestors, and to the presumption of a blind confederacy, who encouraged and prompted his want of good faith, and could not support him in the hands of an enraged people, — and Buonaparte, the first consul of France, was not to be forgotten at the moment of entering Paris. Re- specting that great man, I felt a thousand mixed sensations, — attached to liberty, and execrating those who trample it down, I was 186 tempted to pronounce him its greatest enemy, to almost abjure the idea of seeing him, and in fancied vindication of the republic of France's wrongs, to consign him to contempt and indifference. But where am I wandering ? If Buonaparte be an usurper, it is France which must pronounce him such, — it is France which must punish, — it is France which must dethrone. A stranger travels to improve his mind, converse with men of genius, and to view what is curious and interesting. He is not to kindle his anger against governments, or to allow him- self the liberty of insulting, or lowering the heads of nations. By these meditations, I calmed the wrath of that zeal which was blinding me ; and, remembering the descrip- tion of the wise Ulysses, I considered that knowledge was the great object, and that: passion interfering must be very adverse to a clear view of things. My reader may easily anticipate the remark, that any companion of Mr. Fox would, if not 187 incorrigibly stupid, imbibe such a mode of thinking respecting foreign powers and their rulers. Never did this illustrious man appear more truly dignified than in speaking on such subjects ; his memory, run- ning over history with ease and felicity, furnished him with ample demonstration, that civil wars end usually in the domination of a successful general, and he thought it idle to lament over this inevitable effect. I recollect in a conversation with him, comparing Buonaparte to Augustus, on his attainment of power, — "Surely not so cruel!" was his remark in reply. At the time it seemed to me a just parallel, but it does not now. I agree with Mr. Fox now, that there is not the cruelty ; and, disdaining the cry raised to inflame the vulgar mind, do not at all think it necessary to exclaim against vices we have no proof of, or cruelties very dif- ficult to be ascertained, if practised at all. But as Paris appeared in view, all my reflec- tions gave way to pleasurable ideas. I re- joiced that the streets were no longer deluged 18S with blood, and that this ingenious and ele- gant people reposed under a permanent government; and the amazing scene of splendour and novelty which I was touching, gave me an indescribable anxiety to be per- mitted to view its wonders. Although I had paid due homage to the solid glories of Flanders, and was of opinion with the ex* cellent author of many invaluable works upon agriculture, " that in estimating hu- man happiness, it is not a bad rule to sup- pose that where there is most show and splendour there is least enjoyment;" yet I was very sensible to the advantages of a temporary elevation, such as mine, in society, which gave me an opportunity, with the countenance, and under the protection of England's most valued character upon the continent, of beholding every thing inte- resting in Paris. Our books were now laid aside. The busy town was before us. Entering one of the Fauxbourgs, we passed through the triumphal arch erected, I think, for Louis the 14th, and shortly found ourselves at the 189 Hotel de Richelieu, which had been engaged for Mr. Fox. It was a striking fact, at our first opening our eyes in Paris, to find our- selves in the hotel of the ci-devant Marechat Due de Richelieu, one of the first and oldest peers of France, under the old regime. The apartments were superb, the garden very pretty,- and an air of gran- deur reigned through the whole. This was now a common hotel. Such was one prominent effect of a revolution, hurling the nobility and higher orders from affluence, and a most disproportionate height above the people, down to want and degradation. 1 be- lieve no change I had seen on the continent had struck me so much. I felt doubtful where I was. The furniture was superb, the rich silk hangings were elegantly disposed, the mir- rors were noble, and the toute ensemble quite worthy of its former noble owners. I expected to meet a marechal of France of the old time, at every turn, and almost doubt- ed whether taking a turn in the garden was not too great a liberty. The shade of de- parted greatness seemed every where. There was much of the mournful in this, and of a 190 very peculiar kind ;— death, melancholy as it is, is not half so much so as that dreary void, occasioned by absence and calamity ! One searches every where for something wanting, and which might be restored — one perceives traces of former happiness rudely inter- rupted — one asks, where is the owner of these deserted walls; and shall he not return ? Two or three of Mr. Fox's friends came to him on the evening of his arrival : and in seeing this great man happy, and amongst his dear English friends and companions, the mournful impressions I had received, upon entering the hotel de Richelieu, wore away. I grew reconciled to the mansion of the an- cient noble. New and pleasant thoughts, created by the visitors to Mr. Fox, began to arise. I forgot the Marechal Due de Riche- lieu — the French revolution — its calamities and consequences ! Amidst all the ease of polished society, the independence of the Englishmen was perceptible on all sides — much was said of the amusements, and of the wonders of Paris, very little of the great man. There is a noble air of liberty amongst the nobility and higher classes of English- 191 men, which, added to their other accomplish- ments, make them appear the most respect- able of their class in Europe. I was not sorry to see, and to admire this in Paris ; nor was I less pleased to observe Mr. Fox's old and constant friends around him. So little was this truly great man solicitous about the movements of courts, or the attentions they bestow, that 1 am satisfied he did not bestow one thought, this happy evening, upon that of St. Cloud. He was very cheerful, and well pleased at having ended his journey — re- joiced that Mrs. Fox was quite well, notwith- standing great inconvenience from heat — and animated by the novel scene, and variety of objects, crowding upon his attention. The delightful climate of Paris added to the charm. We supped in the garden of the hotel. Towards the end of August no mois- ture, no wind incommoded us : all was serene and mild — nothing could be more delicious — the fatigues of the journey were past — and we turned to a new scene, with health un- hurt, and spirits increased. Between eleven and twelve, retiring to rest, we rested calmlv, 192 having now completed a little tour, which, if exceeded in variety, extent, and duration, by others, was as rational and pleasing, and comprized within it as much of social enjoy- ment, and of useful observation, as any ever undertaken. CHAPTER VII. 'l^HE various points of attraction in Paris irresistibly drew the mind in different di- rections. The new government, just rendered permanent and hereditary in Buonaparte, was presenting itself to the public eye. Under it, the stern republican and angry royalist were ranging themselves, unable to struggle against an order of things, emerging from that chaos of conflicting interests, which until now had agitated the interior of France. The imposing character of Buonaparte, a warrior and a statesman of no common note, had acquired an ascendancy which he was admirably qualified to maintain. " You en- deavoured," said he to Monsieur La Fayette, on his thanking him for his liberation from the dungeons of Germany, " to establish the solecism of a monarch at the head of a re- public." A thing he conceived illusive and vain ; yet lie was now himself making the o 194 practical experiment of a military president at the helm for life, with a nation organ- ized for military as much as civil purposes. I soon heard it whispered that the Con- sulship for life was but a preliminary step to the assumption of higher dignity, and that the title of Emperor of the Gauls was that to which the first consul aspired. It was not then credited, but no one could say it was improbable or impossible. All this at first seemed to me an outrage upon liberty, but reflection came again to the aid of my judg- ment, and required a fair investigation of the state of France, before decision. If fluc- tuation of councils be most dangerous at all times, it is more peculiarly so in a new state, unqualified by Roman simplicity, and gran- deur of character, to produce successive great men, with the same purity of motives and vigour of conduct. A directory of five or three, changed by rotation and election, was not only an unwise, but an unsafe form of executive government, and a permanency for life, in someone person, was required. There is no doubt but that at this time 195 the fixing of" the consulship for life, had a good effect upon the continent, and added much to the respect and dignity of France, in foreign courts. Peace contributed to make the event more striking. The Euro- pean powers, fatigued with their fruitless coalitions against France, and discovering that their warfare had but invigorated and aggrandized her, had laid down the sword. The ambassadors from all nations crowded to Paris to pay their congratulations to the first consul, on his accession to permanent and supreme power. After an unparalleled struggle of more than ten years, France could not but see with exultation, grounded on a sense of self- preservation, and of vast and glorious conquests combined, her capital thus crowded, and her safety and her pre-emi- nence so triumphantly achieved ! It was pri- vately stated, that when Buonaparte returned from Egypt, and that the change of govern- ment was in agitation, he, Moreau, and Joubert, had been thought of as fit heads for the republic ; that the latter had been nomi- nated by the party who conceived that a mili- tary character was requisite at the head of the nation, and that after he lost his life in battle, o2 190 Moreau and Buonaparte were those to whom the armies alone, subsequently, looked up, but the former was induced, by the latter's persuasions, to yield his pre- tensions to him. Withoutvouching for this, I cannot assent to the opinion that Buona- parte could have had any competitor of a formidable nature, either upon being chosen first consul, or upon his attaining the consul- ship for life. Moreau was the onlv rival he had, but he was too indolent, and too unfit to be the head of a party to give him much trouble. Moreau, however, even at this brilliant moment for Buonaparte, enjoyed a high reputation with the army and nation, and I am quite satisfied, afterwards lost all his reputation and weight by mismanagement and imbecility, very inconsistent with his former character. Sufficient, however, may be deduced from these opinions, having existed in France, if the facts are disputable, to shew that it was the general sense of the French, that one person as the head of the executive was wanted, and whether Joubert, Moreau, «ar Buonaparte, had been selected, that a 197 change was in contemplation as necessary and indispensable ; the consulship for life was but a modification of the measure, and Buonaparte in procuring it, seemed not much to shock the feelings of the people, nor did he violate any constitution, as there was none of permanence to be assailed by him. The approaching levee at the Thuilleries, which was held every month, as it was the first after this remarkable Era, which pro- mised to be a memorable one for France, we accordingly understood would be most splendid and numerous. Already we per- ceived the English were treated with marked civility and kindness, and the great rival nation, England, was considered as the equal of France, (and all others as inferiors) in glory and political importance. The appearance of Paris w r as to me pleas- ing, though the narrowness of the streets, and the want of foot-ways on each side, were unpleasant symptoms of a former dis- regard to the health and comfort of the people. As yet no liveries upon servants, or arms upon carriages were seen ; a rcpub- 198 lican and respectable plainness met the eye , the contrast of glaring opulence, and decent mediocrity, was not manifest, and this agree* able effect of the revolution remained, whilst rei tuning good sense had also corrected that frightful extreme of slovenliness, and neg- lec of dress, which a republican mania had consecrated, as a test of principle, and a mark of patriotism ! The new embroidered dress of the muni- cipal officers, caught my eye in the streets ; I found myself in Paris, the seat of so many Bourbons, once almost adored, now blotted from the calendar of Sovereigns, and a new throne quietly erecting at the Thuilleries ; a new dynasty, securely placing its feet upon the steps, and the recently-appointed officers of government, performing their functions. One could not but feel it a very novel mo- ment in the metropolis of a great nation ; the whole state machinery was opening to the view ; every wheel was beginning to move ; the first impulse -was given, and the organized mass, obeying the master hand, received motion gradually, and imparted it through the whole French territory. This 199 operation in society, was not the less curious, because it was taking place without noise or agitation. The wearied nation tacitly approved ; peace was facilitating the work, and the fortunate director who presided, seemed necessitated to raise himself, to pre- serve, unhurt, the stupendous fabric upon which hung the happiness and security of millions. Such were my thoughts, — I felt almost giddy at the view ; the destiny of forty millions was arranging before my eyes ; it was quite impossible for a number of Eng- lishmen to meet, and to forbear saying, how astonishing ; — what a business has been accomplished by William Pitt ; — what a friend has he been to the fortunes of Buo- naparte. Another striking result, also, of the coa- lition war awaited us in Paris. Here all was gold and silver. In London, a few guineas were with great difficulty procured from a banker, as a matter of favour ; in Paris, the banker gave you your choice, silver or gold, and both were plentiful ; England hav- 200 ing nothing but paper, and France nothing but gold and silver ; a fact which spoke very intelligible language. How much should I have rejoiced that Mr. Pitt, accompanied by some vociferating members of parliament, or interested merchants, had been led to a Parisian banker's desk, and interrogated upon this difference. The phenomenon of abundance of gold and silver in France, and of nothing to be seen but paper in England, gave a short and pithy demonstration, how much the con- dition of the first had improved ; how much the latter had deteriorated in the course of the coalition war. The English minis- ter's declarations proved, as well as those of the Bank, to be promises which were never to be paid. This plain proof addressed to the senses, was of mighty value, after a contest, wherein right and wrong, practica- ble and impossible, true and false, had been so much confounded, that men began to .oirust their own understandings. The stranger's first visit is probably to 201 his banker, and his next is to the theatre. As Mr. Fox found himself happily re-united to Lord Holland and his family, after a con- siderable separation, we dined with them, and in the evening went to the theatre Francois. Upon entering a French theatre for the first time, an Englishman iinds a good deal to reconcile himself to. The want of powerful light throughout the house, in- tended to give greater effect to the stage, offends his taste at first, but he will end in approving, if he be not determined to prefer all the customs of England. The darkness of the house, where the audience sit, gives greater effect to the brilliancy of the stage. Whoever has viewed with rapture the lofty sides of a distant glen, illuminated by an evening sun, whilst the country and the nearer parts were in shade, may conceive how much more effective and agreeable to nature's best appearance, this manner of lighting the French stage is, than that of throwing a noon-day glare over every object, and dest roving all contrast as well as shade. It is at a Parisian theatre that the character of the people is truly displayed. The most 202 profound attention, the liveliest sensibility, the enthusiastic encouragement, afforded to the favourite or promising actors or actress- ses,— ^-the instant reprobation and punishment of noise or tumult — tears flowing profusely and unchecked, from male and female spec- tators, at every pathetic and affecting pas- sage of the piece, if tragic ; with unrestrained cheerfulness, if comic : — and a just and ho- nourable sympathy with every noble and grand sentiment,— proved to, me that this people deserved the character they have so long established on the continent for taste and elegance. The piece we saw was Jndromaque, in which Mademoiselle Duschenois, as Her- mione, obtained and deserved great applause. The French declamation is at first rather painful to an English ear, and I think a less- measured style, and studied tone, would much improve it. The unpleasantness wore quickly off, however, and I venture to pro- nounce that the passion, gesture, and tones, the gracefulness and sublime energy, which distinguish the French stage, are unrivalled. The shortness of the intervals between the 203 acts are peculiarly favourable to preserving the interests ef the play. The actors seem to be hurried on by the torrent of their feelings ; there is no looking at the audience, and stu- dying to catch their applause; but the action is maintained with such animation, that one may forget their situation, and conceive our- selves overhearing the dialogue, and witnesses pf actual events in human life, Mr. Fox enjoyed the French theatre very much ; and as Racine was his favourite dra- matic author, we went very shortly again to see " Phcdra' performed at the same theatre. My readers, who know the Greek original, from whence Racine has taken his play, are acquainted with the interesting character of Phcdra in Euripides. They may imagine that I could not go in such company, and to such a performance, without a lively and anxious solicitude. I had, along with Mr. Fox, much admired the Phcdra of Euripides — there is something so touching in her despair, and the passion of love is so powerfully pour- tray ed by the author, that 1 had long viewed it as a master-piece. On tins occasion, too, I prepared myself, by reading Phcdra previ- 201 ously aloud to Mrs. Fox, who wished to hear me read it :o her ; which precaution, to those who may hereafter visit Paris, I recommend very strongly : if the ear is not very familiar with the language and declamation, some of the beauties may be lost, and the interest of the play be somewhat weakened. As I considered that I should see a classic performance of Phedra, and that the French actors were assimilated to those of Greece, in passion and energy, my expectation was much raised, and I prepared myself with all my enthusiasm for the Greek stage, for a lively exhibition of its beauties. Mr. Fox was a good deal amused, and not displeased at this enthusiasm. On this occasion, he was very soon recognized by the audience in the Pit : every eye was fixed on him, and every tongue resounded Fox ! Fox! — The whole audience stood up, and the applause was universal. He, alone, to whom all this admiration was paid, was embarrassed. His friends w r ere gratified by the honour bestowed on this great man, by a foreign, and till lately hostile people. It was that reward which crowned heads cannot purchase — respect and 205 gratitude from his fellow men, for his exer- tions in favour of humanity, and an honour- able peace. So unwilling vvas Mr. Fox to receive the applause as personal, that he could not be prevailed upon to stand forward ; nor when his name, repeatedly pronounced, left no doubt of the matter, could he bring him- self to make any obedience or gesture of thanks. No man had ever less vanity, or ra- ther was so totally devoid of it as Mr. Fox, and, perhaps, through the genuine modesty of his nature, he seemed deficient, on this occasion, in respect to the audience. As the play proceeded, Phedra, the unfor- tunate and interesting Phedra, seized upon our attention. Mademoiselle Duschenois was in some parts very happy, and her dress was antique and correct. When she became over whelmed with languor, sickness, and love ; when she says, " Otcz ces vains ornemens," her tone of despair and abandonment was inimitable; as also when raising her eyes with fixed melancholy, she exclaims, " So\cn\ jc te vois pour la dcrniere fois." 206 Her scene with her nurse, when she struggles to conceal, yet wishes to tell, the name of him she in silence adored, — the burst of " C'est toi, qui l'a nominee/ was most naturally uttered. The Phedra of Racine was a character much admired by Mr. Fox ; he conceived it an improvement, in many respects, upon that of Euripides, and we returned home, much gratified by this representation of it. The acting w T as very good, and it will be long ere memory yields up the varied impressions of that night. We saw the first consul in his box for the first time : the light was thrown from the stage upon his face, so as to give an unfavor- able and ghastly effect. I could not judge well of his countenance. He was received with some applause, but much inferior to that bestowed on Mr. Fox. ( 207 ) CHAPTER VIII. TVTO one could be in Paris, and not feel a powerful desire to view those produc- tions of art and genius, the accumulated fruits of successful war. Shortly after our arrival, therefore, we hastened to the mu- seum of pictures in the Louvre. Mr. Fox smiled as he entered, and seemed plainly to say, here are the fruits of conquest ! What an elevation has been given to France ! It was, in truth, stupendous ; and most wonderful to behold the immense gallery of the Louvre covered with the choicest paint- ings of Italy, Germany, Flanders, and Hol- land. It is quite impossible to convey an idea of this magnificent sight. All nations 208 have at times availed themselves of the opportunities afforded by conquest, to carry off rich spoils, and adorn their triumphs, their temples, and their metropolis wjth them. The French, in this case, did hut follow their example ; and it was, undoubt- edly, a stroke of good policy, to make Paris so rich in this respect, that opulent strangers might be attracted from all countries in times of peace. This stupendous collection of paintings, as well as of statues and busts, was thrown open to the public gratis : many of the meanest inhabitants of Paris, decently clad, were seen walking about, and enjoying this wonderful display of art. Sentinels, placed at the doors, admitted everv bodv, and with that politeness, common to the French sol- diery, and so very desirable at places of pub- lic exhibition, directed to the proper entrance all who applied for admittance. This libe- rality, worthy of a national exhibition, was a pleasing prelude to the magnificent sight, which instantly presented itself. The arrange- ment of the whole was formed with the greatest care, and no picture has been allowed to be placed in this col section, but such as 209 had been approved of by a select com- mittee. Mr. Fox manifested inexpressible pleasure on entering : here his fine taste, and perfect knowledge of paintings, had an ample field ; and he frequently afterwards repaired to the museum, at the Louvre, with increas- ing delight. In fact, the gallery was so long that, at first, the spectator was dazzled and overcome, and incapable of rightly enjoying the glorious view of such a multitude of the noblest productions in the world : it required time, and repeated visits, to possess oneself by degrees of all the innumerable excellencies of this wonderful collection. I am sure that a six months* residence in Paris would not have been more than sufficient for this purpose. The statues, which were excellently arranged in apartments below, were, if possible, more interesting than the pictures. There we saw the productions of Greece and Rome ; the Belvidere Apollo breathing fire, and with a super-human air, starting forward, and filling the mind with sacred awe ! the p 210 struggling Laocoon, agonized by paternal sorrow, and corporeal pain ! Demosthenes, Menander, Socrates ; these, and many others, formed a still more interesting, though not so astonishing, an exhibition as that above : both are greatly calculated to improve and refine the public taste : the frequent viewing of them must sensibly operate even upon the most uniformed minds. Artists were permitted to study and copy, and every facility was afforded them in their pursuits. Paris at this time had drawn to it many of England's eminent painters and amateurs. They, of course, were often found at the Louvre, and the conversations and remarks in such a scene were instructive and pleasing. I have heard Mr. Fox, in company with Mr. West, and the lamented Mr. Opie, at dif- ferent times, maintain animated discussions on the merits of the various painters of the Italian and Flemish schools. He was quite master of these subjects, an J was much pleased with such discussions. On these occasions, he displayed great vivacity and 21 i judgment ; and it was quite an agreeable, as well as novel thing, to hear the profound statesman and politician unbend himself with men of genius : professed painters examine every shade of error, every degree of excellency, and, with all the poet's feel- ing, and the painter's judgment, decide upon them. This may be thought, however, the less surprizing, if the strong connection between the arts of poetry and painting be taken into the question. Mr. Fox's passionate love of the poets has already been noticed. He who has the soul of a poet, must feel strongly, and discriminate well, in regard to painting. I shall mention a few of the pictures most liked and studied by him. St. Roch in Prison. Virgin and Child Asleep. Colouring and Design. Saints protectors of Boulogne. Paris and Hebe. Massacre, of the Innocents. Head of Christ. — Guido. p 2 212 Martyrdom of St. Peter. — Titian. St. Jerome. St. Agnes. — Domcnichino. Holy Family. — Corregio. Transfiguration. — Raphael. Descent from the Cross. Crucifixion. — Rubens. Le Defaite de Porus. — Le Brim. Attending the Sick. — Gerard Dow. St. Petronille. Circumcision. — Guerckino. Of the pictures which Mr. Fox most ad- mired, hisgreatest favourite was the St. Jerome of Domenichino: nothing, indeed, can be more excellent. The old man, worn out and exhausted, is communicating for the last time, perhaps * his devotion is so pure and fervent, that, though his emaciated form seems scarce capable of retaining the fleeting breath of the venerable saint, yet this sacred religious rite reanimates him ; the trembling hand which is extended to receive the sacra- ment ; the reviving look ; the adoration and hope in the countenance ; the effort to raise himself up, and the serene air of conso- 213 lation, which appears to have soothed every pang, and converted pain and sickness into placid joy, have the most happy effect pos- sible. Often has Mr. Fox stood admiring this noble production ; — often and often has he returned to view it, and again was I myself induced to consider how much, and in every way, had this great man been mis- represented. He who had been held forth as devoid of principle, a revolutionist, and contemner of civil and religious establish- ments, was here, unaffectedly, bestowing his warmest admiration upon the affecting representation of the celebration of the most sacred of Christian rites. I myself felt some surprize, though without reason, unless that the impressions made upon the public in England to Mr. Fox's disadvantage, had imperceptibly taken possession of my mind, and that I had, unawares to myself, con- ceived that he was but very slightly tinctured with religious feeling. With the St. Jerome of Domenichino, Mr. Fox was never wea- ried ; it was the object in the museum which most fixed him; and, as I have beheld him frequently indifferent and unmoved, 214 amidst the splendour and flattery of a court, and of crowds of persons of rank, before this admirable picture, I ever saw him filled with unfeigned rapture. It may be well imagined, that it was not the inimitable fide- lity and exquisite representation of nature in the emaciated saint, so much as the ex- pression and tone of the picture, which arrested the attention of such a mind as Mr. Fox's. With Mrs. Fox and myself he has often stood pointing out the beauties, and dwelling on the divine effect of the piece : his wish extended no farther than to com- municate his sentiments, and awaken the observation of his domestic circle respect- ing the value of this interesting chef d'eeuvre of art* and awful delineation of a dying christian father of the primitive church. His powerful and unclouded intellect dwelt upon it with secret gratification, and, in contemplating it, all thought of politics, of the ambition of kings, and elevation of generals, was totally lost. Nothing could be more genuine, too, than his admiration of paintings ; it was 215 not the over-acted rapture of the connoisseur panting for reputation, but the warm and natural homage to genius and nature, which he paid to Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Guido, or Domenichino, as well as to Homer, Virgil, or Ariosto. Two days after our arrival in Paris, we went to see the Palace of Versailles. This stupendous edifice stands a grand and indeed an awful monument of the ostentation of a haughty dynasty, secure of a long undis- turbed sway for ages to come, "VVe did not go into the palace, as it was stripped of its furniture, and this cumbrous pile seemed little to suit Mr. Fox's taste. A great pro- fusion of orange trees were still in fine preservation in the gardens. The water- works were out of order; there was ^ dreary silence around, and nothing interest- ing in the scene. The pride of despotism had erected a mansion for its display of pomp : a galled and oppressed people had paid, with the fruit of their labour, for its erection : here theirhaughty and unfeeling Kings rioted, and forgetting the miseries of their subjects, added 216 to them by their selfish extravagance, and bestowed on profligate courtiers what would have made merit happy, and caused genius to expand and bloom ! There was nothing to regret. The vacuum, which had taken place of royal revelry, and crowds of cour- tiers, was dull, but not distressing to the feel- ings. I did not wonder that Mr. Fox viewed the scene with indifference, and I felt no disappointment at our leaving it without exploring the empty apartments of the Palace. We went afterwards to the Petit Trianon, formerly a favourite residence, as a little country retreat of the unfortunate Queen of Louis the 16th. It was now a tavern. The gilding and ornaments still decorated many of the rooms ; and the gardens, which were very pretty, and formed after the English manner, exhibited many vestiges of rural taste and elegance. Here the lovely and unfortunate Maria Antoinette had often dressed as a shepherdess, enjoyed, along with a private circle, in rural habits, and exchanged the fatigues of royalty for innocent and 217 humble amusements. Mr. and Mrs. Fox were much pleased with these gardens. There was great simplicity in them, and the interest excited by them was different indeed from the sensation at Versailles. The ruined cottage and grass-grown walk, where the Queen had once passed her hap- piest hours, were mournful records of this charming and unfortunate woman's melan- choly fall. A large party dined at the Petit Trianon this day, and walked through the gardens previous to dinner. General Fitzpatrick, the early and constant friend of Mr. Fox, in whom elegance and acumen of taste, polished and dignified manners, and unaffected good- ness, were united : whose mind embraced the range of poetry and criticism, and whose attachment to liberty and Fox were rational,, steady, and unchanged was one of the com- pany. Lord Robert Spencer, another valuable and cherished friend of Mr. Fox, possessing the genuine dignity of the noble- man ; accurate in judgment, plain in manners, friendly in his deportment ; saying at times 218 but little, but always speaking with discri- mination and good sense ; benignant and unassuming, be left to others the glare of words, and rested tranquilly upon his sin- cerity, and intrinsic value for that estima- tion he merited. Lord Holland, whose pre- sence, was always pleasing and grateful to Mr. Fox, and who enlivened society by play- ful and happy remarks, Lady Holland, and other persons of distinction were there. I could have wished to have walked in these gardens alone, or that Mr. Fox's family' only had been there ! The tone of melan- choly, which is generated by memorials, however simple, of the misfortunes and departed happiness of others, does not agree with the gaiety of large parties ; the respect due to calamity makes one wish to reflect in silence ; to wander with one or two through the abode of those whose long absence is marked by desolation and neglect. The feelings, the scene, and the company, ought all to harmonize, where a strong asso- ciation of ideas produces affecting recollec- tions. I was glad to get a little apart from 219 the brilliant party, who conversed beneath the fine trees, which sheltered them from a burning sun. I felt inclined to look back on the hapless queen's past life with tender indulgence. This altered scene of playful mirth and tranquil enjoyment, inspired one with a favourable opinion of her mind; she was not cruel, vindictive, or treacherous ; all the feelings of a female, were in her alive and unperverted ; indulgence, and the luxury of a court, like that of France, spoiled and enfeebled her mind; but she who took plea- sure in this charming, and unostentatious retreat, and relished the adorning and improving a little spot, dedicated to peace and rural retirement, did not deserve to expiate common errors upon a scaffold, and to become a victim to a blood-thirsty party, for the misconduct of a pusillanimous king, and profligate or inefficient ministers. The party at Trianon was, however, a most agreeable one, and with it terminated the short time given to recreation and repose by Mr. Fox, previous to commencing his historical researches at the Bureau des 220 Affairs Etrangeres. On the fourth day, after his arrival in Paris, he commenced his labours. The worthy and respectable Lord St. John, Mr. Adair, lately ambassador at Constantinople, closely attaching himself to Mr. Fox, and disposed to foreign and diplo- matique researches, (a disposition which he subsequently displayed at Vienna, in a man- ner reflecting infinite credit on himself, and doing honour to Mr. Fox's appointment,) and myself, accompanied and regularly attended Mr. Fox to the French Archives every day, from eleven till three. Lord Holland, in the preface to his histo* rical work, which is too extended for a pre- face, and too short for a memoir, has given but a faint idea of his assiduity and perse- verance, in this research. Relinquishing much of the gratifications of which his friends and countrymen were daily partaking, leaving the various political characters in Paris to themselves, and denying himself much of that enjoyment of every thing exquisite and sublime in art, which every where was presenting itself; he devoted 221 himself to his object with sincerity, and intense application. The letters of Ba- rillon, we found abundantly entertaining. Mr. Fox had great anxiety to ascertain the extent of James the Second's meanness, in his transactions with the French court. When he came to the passage of Barillon's letter of the 26th February, 1685, where he tells of the gratitude of James, for the first advance of money made by Louis ; he could not restrain the expression of his indig- nation and contempt, which are strongly visi- ble in his historic fragment. It is as follows : — " le Prince fut extremement surpris, et me dit, les larmes aux yeux, " II n 'appartient quau Roi, voire maitre d'agir d'une maniere si noble, et si pleine de bontd pour moi : je vous avoue que je suis plus sensible a ce qui! fait, en cela qua tout cequipeut arriver dans la suite de ma vie : car je vois clairement le fonds de son cceur et combien il a envie que mes affaires prospe'rent : il a etd au des be- soins: je ne saurois jamais dssez reconnnoitre un tel proeede' ; temoignez lui ma recon- noissance et soyez garant de V attachment que j'aurai toute ma vie pour lui" 000 The letters of Barillon contain curious and ample information relating to James's motives and intentions; and, I think, the noble editor of the fragment would have done well to affix a translation of them to it, as there are readers, either incompetent, or unwilling to go through them, who might derive benefit from them in an Eng- lish dress. Mr. Fox, in his progress, was also much amused by the tone assumed by Louis, that he would not abandon James, — that he approved of such and such things, though he felt no small disgust at the self degradation of an English monarch, under an insolent and ambitious French court. He read and transcribed himself with ala- crity and good humour, and exacted no trouble from others, in which he did not himself fully participate. The politeness of the keeper of the Archives was so great, that we had but to mention the year and the subject, and the volume was hand- ed to us in rooms, solely appropriated to Mr. 223 Fox's use ; pens, ink, paper, and every other accommodation, were afforded. This occu- pation of reading and transcribing, and of eliciting historic truths, he steadily pursued, with the liveliest interest, and unremitting attention for two months. In his subsequent progress, he was very desirous- of ascertaining the points relative to James's receiving additional sums, ar'ter his first and early remittances from France, through the hands of Barillon ; as the dis- ingenuousness of James, and the suspicions of Louis, operated in the affair, the inves- tigation grew more difficult and more doubt- ful. James pressed for money, — Louis craf- tily withheld it ; the French king desired to commit the English monarch completely, that all his views, (am 1 they were those of a despotic master) might be observed. The abject and narrow-minded James, thus degraded, through his hatred to liberty, feared to involve himself too far, without ample funds in possession. Their conduct resembled that of two sharpers, unwilling to trust one another. The one demanded pre- 22-L vious payment, — the other desired to receive value before he advanced any thing; and both hesitated, as each endeavoured to gain the advantage over the other. It seemed that nothing short of James declaring the Catho- lic the established religion, and abstaining from all foreign treaties and alliances, would have satisfied Louis, and that, even then, he would have reserved his money if possible ; but, that the wretched James was not so devoid of penetration, as not to know that he risked his crown already by his measures, and that to satisfy Louis, he must risk it infinitely more. For this, he pressed for money to secure himself, but Louis demurred. Hap- pily for England, Louis greatly miscalculated and resisted all the intreaties of his ambas- sador, and all the prayers and remonstrances of James. The letters of M. D'Avaux and M. Bonre- pos, were examined also by Mr. Fox. What a disagreeable kind of subject that, of the combined dissimulation and frauds of the royal personages concerned, for such a mind as that of Mr. Fox ! He was in the end, 225 wearied and disgusted by the examination of these papers, but the elucidation of truth consoled him, and the detection of the mis- takes and falsehoods of historians, made him some compensation for his labours. by the French, it these corrupt and haughty governments had been purified and reformed, and more valuable objects held forth to incite the people, that Switzerland might have defied the attacks of France, and proved a dangerous, or at least a formidable enemy to her; always interposing strong positions between her and other countries, capable of being used against her, and remaining constantly in the nature of a check upon her. But the aristocratical governments had long disgusted and alie- nated the people ; and the country not feeling the same stimulus which warmed them against Austria in 1300, fell an easy prey to French ambition. Accordingly, the senate of Bern, in 1802, sanctioned all the measures of Buonaparte ; joined with his government against their own people ; and, at the last, conspired with France in stifling the last struggling sigh for liberty. ( M7 ) CHAPTER Xir. A S we visited the museum as often as time could be spared to it, I recollect one day, that all the company were attract- ed to the windows of the gallery of the Louvre, by a parade m the Place de Carousel. The guards, and some other French troops, were exercising. Mr. Fox, with the others, went to the window, but he instantly turned away on seeing the soldiers. This occurred some time before the levee; and on that day, as there was a grand parade, we remained in a private apartment of the Thuilleries till it was over. Buonaparte, mounted on a white charger, and accom- panied by some general officers, reviewed his troops, amounting to about six thou- sand, with great rapidity. The consu- s 258 Jar troops made a fine appearance, and the whole was a brilliant and animating spectacle. Mr.Fox paid little or no attention to it, conversing chiefly, while it lasted, with Count Mark off, the Russian ambassador. I observed Mr Fox was disinclined not only to military, but to any pompous display, of the power of the French government. An enemy to all ostentation, he disliked it every where; but the parade of military troops in the heart of the metropolis, carrying with it more than vain pomp, must naturally have shocked, rather than entertamed, such principles as those of Mr. Fox. On the day of the great levee, which was to collect so many representatives of nations, and noble strangers from every country to pay their respects to the first consul of France, now established as the sole head of government for life, several apartments, having the general name of the Salle des Ambassadcui^s, were appropriated for the crowd of visitors at the levee, pre- 259 vious to their being admitted to the first consul's presence. Lord Holland, Lord Robert Spencer, Lord St. John, Mr. Adair, and myself, accompanied Mr. Fox there. I must acknowledge that the novel and imposing scene amused and interested me in a high degree. This grand masquerade of human life, was inconceivably striking: — the occasion of assembling — the old palace of the Bourbons — the astonishing attitude that France had assumed, affected the imagina- nation, and almost overpowered the judg- ment. A latent smile was often to be caught on the countenances of different intel- ligent and enlightened men ; it said, very significantly, can this be reality ? can so wonderful a fabric be permanent ? His toils were now approaching ; there was a much greater number of English presented than of any other nation. Mr. Merry, the English ambassador, appeared, on the part of the British government, to sanction and recognize the rank and govern- ment of the first consul ! Mr. Merrv, s 2 2(J0 ■ whose nation had, under the blind au- spices of an intemperate minister, fatally interfered with the internal concerns of a great people, and had vainly attempted to counteract the success of their efforts. What a subject had he for a letter, in the style of Barillon, for the perusal of Mr.Pitt, or his friend, M i\ Addington, then acting as Pitt's deputy, or locum ienens, in the government \ Mr. Merry! — thenacting under LordHawkes- bury, the Quixotic marcherto Paris, which same Lord was now receiving a magnificent present of a service of china of unrivalled beauty and elegance, from this same new government and Buonaparte. Itwouldhavebeeuan instructive lesson for Mr. Pitt himseif, could he invisi- bly, with Minerva by his side, have contem- plated the scene ; he might then have studied history, and discovered that such interference and conduct in foreign powers, as that of his and the allied potentates, had made Cromwell a king, or an emperor, and fixed the succession in his family ! " What think vou of all this ?"' said the Chevalier cTAzara, ambassador from Spain, 261 addressing himself to Mr. Fox. The other gave an expressive smile — u It is an astonish- ing time," continued he ; " pictures — sta- tues, — I hear the Venus de Medicis is on her way — what shall we see next ?" A pleasant dialogue ensued : these enlightened statesmen diverting themselves, when scold- ing and anger could avail nothing The Turkish Ambassador graced the splendid scene ; a diminutive figure, accompanied by a suite of fine and handsome men ; — he repo- sed on a sofa, — the heat was excessive, and his crossed legged attitude but little re- lieved him ; — his companions spoke French with great ease, and some of them were fine Grecian figures. Count Markoff ! covered with diamonds, — of a most forbidding aspect— of sound sense, however, — ma'gre a face no lady wouldfallin love with, — andan ungraceful air. — - — The Marquis Lucchesini ! the kino of Prussia's ambassador, who, from an obscure situation, by having become the reader to a minister, was elevared to the corps diplo- matique — gaudily dressed — always with se- 262 veral conspicuous colours, — one thought of a foreign bird, on seeing him ; and his physi- ognomy corroborated the idea — agreeable, however, pleasing in manners, easy in his temper, and enjoying rationally the amusing scenes around him. The Marquis de Gallo ! the Neapolitan ambassador — an unmeaning nobleman of the old school, — florid in manner, but not cal- culated to produce effect in politics or conver- sation. — Have I forgotten the Count Coben- zel ! — that sage and venerable negotiator was there. A small, emaciated figure, — pale, and worn out with the intrigues of courts, he seemed to have been reserved to witness the scene before us, as a refu- tation of all his axioms and systems. With excellent good se se, he took all in good part — he was too wise to betray dis- satisfaction, and too politic not to bend to the gale. The American ambassador, Mr. Livingston, plain and simple in manners and dress, — representing his republic with pro- priety and dignity. — Of these, I believe, M. d'Azara, held the first rank for intellect ; 263 he had all the appearance of a man of genius — he seemed very much to enjoy the society of Mr. Fox, — he and the Count Co- benzel are both since dead, as, no doubt, are many other of the actors in the grand drama of that day. The illustrious statesman of England, who that day attracted every eye, is himself withdrawn also from mortal scenes ! A number of English noblemen and gen- tlemen, — many Russians, — Swedish offi- cers, with the white scarf on their arm, also crowded the rooms. The Cardinal Caprara! representing his holiness the Pope w.th his scarlet stockings and cap, was to me a novel sight, — he was a polite and dignified eccle- siastic, and, but that I was imbued a little with the prejudices of English historians and other authors, I should have found no- thing extraordinary in the respectable car* dinal. I am now ashamed that I did. This grand assemblage were detained a considerable time, in the Salle des Anibaaaa- 264 deurs, during which several servants, in splendid Jaced liveries, handed round coffee, chocolate, the richest and finest wines, and cake, upon China, bearing the initial B. without any armorial, royal, or established marks of power. The heat was excessive, and expectation, wearied with the pause, began to droop, when the door opened, and the prefet du Palais announced to theCARDiNALCAPRA- ra, that the first consul was ready — he after- wards called upon M.d'AzARA — upon which every one followed, without regular order or distinction of rank. As we ascended the great staircase of the Thuilleries, be- tween files of musketeers, what a sentiment was excited ! As the assumption of the consulship for life was a decisive step, tending not only to exclude every branch of the old dynasty, but to erect a new one, every sensible man considered this day as the epoch of a new and regular government. Buonaparte was virtually king henceforth. As we passed through the lofty state rooms of the former 265 kings of France, still hung with the ancient tapestry, very little, if at all, altered — the instability of human grandeur was re- called to the mind more forcibly than it had yet been. The long line of the Bourbons started to the view ! I breathed with diffi- culty ! Volumes of history were reviewed in a glance. Monarchs ! risen from the mouldering tomb, where is your royal race? The last who held the sceptre dyed the scaf- fold with his blood, and sleeps forgotten and unknown, without tomb, or memorial of his name ! — Rapid was the transition succeed- ing ! — We reached the interior apartment, where Buonaparte, First Consul, surrounded by his generals, ministers, senators, and offi- cers, stood between the second and third consuls, Le Brun and Cambaceres, in the centre of a semicircle, at the head of the room ! The numerous assemblage from Salic, des Ambassadeurs, formed into another semicircle, joined themselves to that at the head of which stood the first Consul. Buonaparte, of a small, and by no means commanding figure, dressed plainly, though 266 richly in the embroidered consular coat- without powder in his hair, looked, at the first view, like a private gentleman, indifferent as to dress, and devoid of all haughtiness in his air. The two consuls, large and heavy men, seemed pillars too cumbrous to support themselves, and, during the levee, were sadly at a loss what to do, — whether the snuff- box or pocket handkerchief was to be appealed to, or the left leg exchanged for the right. The moment the circle was formed, Buo- naparte began with the Spanish Ambassador, then went to the American, with whom he spoke some time, and so on, performing his part with ease, and very agreeably : until he came to the English Ambassador, who, after the presentation of some English noblemen, announced to him Mr. Fox ! — He was a good deal flurried, and after indicating con- siderable emotion, very rapidly said — " ^h ! Mr. Fox ! — / have heard ivith pleasure of your arrival — / have desired much to see you— I have long admired in you the orator and friend of his country, who, in constantly raising his voice for peace, consulted that 267 country '$ best interests — those of Europe—- and of the human race. The two great nations of Europe require peace ; — they have nothing to fear; — they ought to under- stand and value one another. In you, Mr. For, I see with much satisfaction, that great statesman who recommended Peace, because there was no just object of war ; who saw Europe desolated to no purpose, and who struggled for its relief." Mr. Fox said little, or rather nothing, in reply, — to a complimentary address to him- self, he always found invincible repugnance to answer ; nor did he bestow one word of admiration, or applause upon the extraor- dinary and elevated character who addressed him. A few questions and answers relative to Mr. Fox's tour, terminated the inter- view. Amongst the distinguished English pre- sented to Buonaparte on that day, was Mr. now Lord Erskine. I am tempted to think that he felt some disappointment at not being recognised by the first Consul ; there 268 was some difficulty at first, as Lord Er- skine was understood to speak little French. M. Talleyrand's impatient whisper to me, J fancy, I yet hear, " Parle-t-il Francois" " Parle-t-il Fra??cois." Mr. Merry, already fatigued with his presentations, and dreading a host to come, imperfectly designated Lord Erskine, when the killing question followed, '■' Etes vons legiste" was pronounced by Buonaparte with great indifference, or, at least, without any marked attention.*- Lord Erskine, truly great as he is in England, was, however, himself deceived, * One would almost fancy that Buonaparte had imbib- ed from the air of the Thuilleries, Louis the fourteenth's disrespect for, and dislike of Lawyers. Whether the dis- tinction between " legiste" and " jurisconsulte" is an important one, whether the former or the latter is the more dignified, I cannot say, but, Louis' words to his ambassador, Barillon, are not very flattering to the self- importance of that profession : his Majesty writes: " Je n'ai rien a vous dire sur le choix que le Roy d'An- gleteje a fait du Chevalier Trumbal pour remplir la place du Sieur Preston : mais il me paroit que la la qualite de jurisconsulte AngUris, n'est pas la plus con- venable pour maintenir la bonne intelligence entre moi et la Roy d'Angleterre, et qu'elle ne sert souvent qu'a trouver des difficultes, ou il n'y en duit point avoir." 269 if he imagined that his well-earned repu- tation had extended into foreign nations. The province of the advocate is to defend the equivocal cause of a client. r J his, necessarily, creates a confined and technical species of oratory. The municipal laws of one nation do not concern, or interest ano- ther. A lawyer from Vienna or Petersburgh, however eminent athome, would beunknown and unnoticed at the British Court. It is only, and this rarely happens, when the lawyer, greatly rising into the philosopher, statesman, and senator, displays new and more general abilities, that he ranks with the great men of other nations. The lawyer's habits and pursuits are, besides, adverse to the forma- tion and expansion of greatness of charac- ter ; his investigations arc too microscopic ; his subjects of study too low and jejune; his accumulations of wealth are too grovel- ling ; and the restrictions placed upon the efforts of his genius, by the narrow spirit, the prejudice, or the envy of judges, disqua- lify him for bold and liberal exertions. Another question, asked by Buonaparte, 270 when a young English officer, handsomely dressed, belonging to some English militia regiment was presented to him, with- out any announcement, or key to his rank and quality, — qua-t il fait P Was a lesson : and if the commander-in-chief established this qua-t il fait ? as a test of merit, and gave promotion according to the answer, he would obtain the thanks of the nation. The ceremony was not long. Buonaparte w r ent round the circle a second time, addressing a few words here and there, without form, and finally placing himself between the two consuls, he bowed slightly, but expressively, when the company withdrew. It would be surperfluous to speak much of a matter so well known or so long can- vassed. I shall mention a few ideas only which occurred to me, and make but few observations on this celebrated person. His stature being small, and his person, though not ill, yet not very well formed, he 271 cannot, on that account, be supposed to have a very strikingair,but his counter ancehaspow- erful expression ; and decision, and determi- nation, when he is grave and thoughtful, are most emphatically marked in it. His eyes are common grey, and have nothingremarkablein them. I am disposed to think, that the lower part of the face, which is the most striking in that of Buonaparte, is the most decisive indication of an inexorable and prompt line of conduct. In performing the honours of the levee, this was not at all observable ; his smile was extremely engaging ; his general expressions very pleasing, and his manners divested of all haughtiness, without manifesting the least of that studied con- descension, which, in persons of great rank, is often more offensive even than arrogance and rudeness. Admiring him as a great mili- tary character, whose reputation was un- doubted and hard-earned, I looked upon Buonaparte as a superior man, born to com- mand the destinies of millions, and felt in- credible satisfaction at beholding this great general. His presence, however, inspired me with no awe. The military exploits of 272 the warrior have their exclusive merit, as demonstrations of genius and talent, irre- sistibly influencing the fate of society, but falling far short of the exertions of the poet, the orator and the legislator. That which adorns and gives resplendent lustre to the military character is the love of liberty, im- pelling the warrior to beat down the iron hand of oppression and dcspotism,and accom- plishing the independence and happiness of millions. At the moment I saw Buonaparte in the midst of generals, ambassadors, and cour- tiers, — Aloys Reding, labouring to emanci- pate the Swiss from the yoke of foreigners, was to me a far more respectable and more truly elevated object. The wicked attempt to subdue Spain had not then commenced, an attempt far less excusable than the sub- jugation of Switzerland, and productive of infinitely more misery and bloodshed. It. has since taken place, and hasforever tar- nished the fame of Buonaparte. The repub- lican general converted into an Emperor A follows the career of Louis XIV. with far 273 superior energy and perseverance, doubtless, with more extended views, and much greater power. " When black ambition stains a public cause," we no longer revere and applaud the consummate general or able monarch. I had heard, too, that Toussaint, the friend and hope of his country, had been seized, and was on his way to a prison in France. I did not then know that he had there languished and died; but I pitied the sable chieftain, and could not esteem his oppressor. An enligh- tened mind, and a just appreciation of the rights of men, had distinguished this charac- ter. Could I have seen him pining in a lonely dungeon, — his hopes extinguished, — his family and friends far distant, — ignorant of his country's fate, and surrounded by men who little sympathised with him ; could I have seen him languishing out his few remaining days, — his dark visage saddened and withering, and his groans hourly grow- ing fainter ! — How little then should 1 have enjoyed this splendid levee ; — how gladly should I have withdrawn ! As it was, I left T 274 the Thuilleries with my curiosity gratified, but without feeling any impression of plea- sure or admiration from having seen the first Consul. To entertain such sentiments was una- voidable, and would have been inexcusable in me, living, as I did, at this time, in the society of Mr. Fox. The sterling superiority of that great man's character, then a simple individual, divested of all power, but still the advocate and supporter of liberty and peace, —the philosopher, scholar, and orator, — untainted by ambition, vanity, or avarice, — full of humanity, and hating cruelty, as well in governments as in individuals, — even his mild domestic virtues conspired to make me view the astonishing spectacle at the Thuil- leries, with indifference and calmness. The very research at the Depot des Archives, contributed to produce such a frame of mind. I was daily reading the letters of Louis XIV". once styled the Great, whose meanness of soul, and narrowness of spirit, as well as his total want of generous views, and of liberality in his estimate of human nature, had sufficiently disgusted me with a great, 275 arbitrary monarch, had I not been seeing an embrio one. After the levee, a very pleasant party of English, invited by Lord R. Spencer, dined at Roberts's, the first restorateur's in Paris: as it consisted of ladies and gentlemen it was extremely pleasant. The entertainment was sumptuous,and served up with the same order and elegance, as in a private house. Among others, Mr. Kemble, the monarch of the English stage, was there; but accustomed, as I was, to the ease and elegance of the French, as also to the unaffected nobleness of manner in English persons of high rank, Mr. Kemble did not strike me as agreeable. There was an air of self-consequence which repelled — a manner which did not harmo- nize with the tone of Paris ; — Mr. Kemble, when he was civil, was condecending ; and when he spoke, it was a little in the style of an oracle. He was a polite gentleman, however, well informed, and desirous of in- formation ; paying a just tribute to the Frencii stage, and wanting only six or twelve months residence in France, te t2 276 soften the oracle into a pleasing companion, and the monarch into a friendly man. Ihe company was select and agreeable ; and, amongst his old friends and eminent coun- trymen, Mr. Fox, in particular, was quite cheerful and happy. The fatiguing cere- monies of the day, and the grandeur of the new court of France, were forgotten in the social converse of the evening. The simpli- city and dignified manners of the English nobility, never appeared to me to greater advantage. Their independent minds made them review with philosophic indifference, the pageant of the Thuilleries. They met it as a matter of course ; as a thing result- ing from the inevitable consequences of the war ; not, however, without reflections upon the mistakes and ignorance of that ministry, who had so essentially contributed to place Buonaparte on his new throne, and to raise the French nation to so unexampled an height ; in fine, they appreciated every thing with exact justice, without indulging in foolish invectives against the first magistrate of the nation, in the midst of which they 2/7 were, nor repining at success, which appeared beyond the power of man to counteract. The following day Mr. and Mrs. Fox, and some of their friends,, went to visit the celebrated Abbe Sieyes. They found hi?n in retirement about twelve miles from Paris, cultivating his estates, (national domain) to a considerable extent granted him by the new consular government, as a remuneration for the past, an asylum for the future, and a proper eloignement from all subsequent cares of government. Here he enjoyed a happy, domestic life ; but as I did not see him, I am unable to sketch his character or manners. Mr. Fox seemed to consider him in a respect- able light, but to entertain no very high opi- nion of him. ( 273 ) CHAFfER XL HPHE recurrence to the best Historical Re- searches, was a useful as well as instruc- tive labour, as it rendered other enjoyments more poignant, and prevented the tedium arising from too much amusement and plea- sure. The character of Louis the XlVth, studied in the quietness of the Hue du Bacq, and divested of all its transitory glare, was a good corrective, if any were wanting, of undue admiration of any arbitrary despot. The manner in which Louis received the account of the death of Charles the II. and his subsequent suspicions of James, shewed, that he considered Charles as a de- pendent, having more talents than his bro- ther—more entirely unprincipled — and, con- 279 sequently, more useful to him. — " Sai app?is" says the king, " avec ctonncment ct en deplaisir bien sensible la mort si sitbite da roi d AngleterreT — He speaks exactly as if he were the arbiter of events, and that he had a right to be angry when one of his vas- sals died inopportunely for him. Mr. Fox discovered, with some surprize, how extremely bigotted to his religion Louis was : it was evident in all the letters to Ba- rillon. Thus, whilst he was bribinga monarch to trample down and debase his subjects, he was also urging the restoration of the Catholic religion, whose precepts forbad the interference with, or the overthrow of, established govern- ments. I am inclined to think that James had more pride than Charles, or rather that the latter had none, and that though James's conduct was clearly a continuation of Charles's as to money and professions of subservienceto France, yet that his pride at all times led him to act the independent English monarch, to the great displeasure of the haughty Louis. James probably desired to become an absolute monarch, independent of his parliament, and 280 of the French king; but as he knew that his arduous attempt required secret funds to support him, he dissembled with Louis, and did not do more than encourage foreign am- bassadors to hope something from him : thus Louis, doubting the sincerity of James's com- munications to Barillon, says, in writing of the renewal of his treaty with the States General : " Je trouve queles ministrcs etr an- gers ont raison de ne le pas regarder, comme tine simple formality, ainsi que le cour ou vous etes vcut vous le persuader. Sestime au contraire quellej cite par la le fondement dune ligne qui peut donner courage a ceux qui ne pouvent souffrir le repos, dont V Eu- rope jouit apreseut." He also testifies simi- lar uneasiness in regard to Spain. In the progress of the research, Mr. Fox displayed all the qualities of a man of busi- ness ; attentive, indefatigable, and acute ; allowing neither to himself nor his associates any remission till the allotted business of the day w T as performed. Some time after the levee, we dined at 281 M. Talleyrand's, at Ncuilly ; we went be- tween six and seven, but did not dine till eight. The dinner hour at Paris had become ridiculously late, and, as in London in fashionable life, resembled more the Roman supper, than what accords with the modern term dinner. M. Talleyrand was at Mal- maison, transacting business with the first Consul, and the dinner waited ,'orhim. Everv thing was in a profuse and elegant style ; M. Talleyrand and Madame sat in the sides of the table; the company, amounting to between thirty and forty, (and this, i believe, did not much exceed the ordinary daily number) were attended by almost as many servants, without any livery. Behind Madame Talleyrand's chair, two young blacks, splen- didly habited in laced clothes, wereplaced; the master of the feast devoted himself to a few distinguished persons around him; on them he bestowed his most chosen and precious wine, and to them he directed all his conversation. Several emigres and ex-nobles, who had made their peace with government, and were desirous of advancement, or sought relief 282 or compensation under the new regime, were at the lower end of the table. They were little noticed, or if I said were alto- gether neglected, I should be more correct. As I sat near some of them, I was filled with concern for their altered state : those who have never had an elevated station in life, do not feel, comparatively speaking, half the stings and arrows of outrageous fortune, when calamity and poverty fail upon them. The Due d'UzEZE, (ci-devant) for- merly one of the first and most ancient peers of old France, was close to me ; he was now a humble and distressed individual, divested of title and property, and seeking, at the table of the minister for foreign affairs, under the consular government, for notice and assistance. He had come to Neuillvinahired one-horse cabriolet, without servant or companion. He was of a gen- teel, prepossessing, and rather youthful appearance, and seemed to bear his change of fortune with an admirable degree of phi- losophy and good humour, and was even play- ful upon his own situation, and spoke of the splendour and elevation of others, without 283 rancour or envy. I could have imagined myself, af.er the battle of Brunducium, sitting at a Roman table, Julius Ca?sar triumphant, and the exiles returning, and permitted to become guests of the trium phant party. The company was mixed. A young naval officer sat at the foot of the table. M.Hauterive, of the department of Foreign Affairs, was near me : he was sensible, unaf- fected, and well informed ; of plain but con- ciliating manners ; he seemed a man of integrity and sincerity — estimable qualities in a courtier ! — M. Rcederer also was there — several officers, two or three physicians, a few English and other foreigners. In the evening Madame Talleyrand's circle commenced. The corps diplomatique flow- ed in, and the minister, the whole remainder of the evening, transacted business with them, taking one aside at one a time, to one room, another to another. Count Coben- zel, the Nestor of the band, was there — ■ Each member of the corps looked " unut- 284 tcrable things." The interests of na- tions were thus discussed beside a picture or chimney piece, and 1 could not but ad- mire the dexterity and attention of M. Talleyrand. The prince of Saxe Weimar took his leave this evening of Madame, on his return to Germany ; a pleasing young man, promising to be respectable and good, if his rank did not harden his heart, and pride beset its best avenues ! The Abbate Casti, author of " Gil Animali parlanti" added to the interest of the evening assem- bly — he was eighty years of age — his head was white, and his figure inclined with age; but he was vivacious, talkative, and gay ; Admiral Brueys, a very animated little man, (who is, I think, since dead,) proud of his daughter, a very young girl, who danced in- imitably — Russian, German, Italian nobles and their spouses ; and many polite and agree- able French people — continued to come in and diversify the scene. Madame Talley- rand maintained a good deal of state, and was attended, on entering the drawing room, by two young females, elegantly clothed in white, and burning frankincense as she advanced. 285 Mr. Fox alternately conversed or played at cards — always easy, and always animated, — he who in the retirement of St. Anne's Hill appeared devoted to a rural and philo- sophic life so entirely as if he had never moved in the political sphere, now was the polished and accomplished gentleman, speak- ing French, Italian, or Spanish, admired by all, as much for the amiability of his character and manners, as he had long been for the splen- dour of histalents. As the weather continued extremely hot, the entertainments of the minister for Foreign Affairs were very agreeable in the country : and the drive on returningto Paris, in these charming serene nights, was very often not the least agreeable part of the excursion. The day after this dinner, and henceforth, we dined frequently at Neuilly. Madame Buonaparte's drawing room suc- ceeded : it was held in the lower apartments ot the Thuilleries. The ceremony was short, cold, and insipid : Madame, the dis- parity of whose age and appearance, from that of the first consul, was ill concealed by (.; 86 a great deal of rouge, sat at the head of a circle of ladies richly habited. Buonaparte, after they had paid their compliments, came from an interior apartment, went round to the circle, said a few words to these ladies, and retired. Mr. Fox stayed but a short time; having paid his compliments to Ma- dame, there was nothing interesting for him in this state affair. This lady was spoken extremely well of at Paris ; her humanity and disposition to befriend, were allowed by all ; and it was said, that whenever she could, she interfered to alleviate the dis- tresses, and procure pardon for those who hud incurred the displeasure of government. It was considered that whatever had been the errors of her earlier days, she had redeemed them by the many good actions she had performed, and from thence a sen- timent of respect had been generated, which softened envy, and gave a sort of dignity to her, very advantageous in her high station. Mr. Fox seemed to think extremely well of her. As she loved plants and understood botany, he found it agreeable to converse 287 with her on this elegant and interesting subject. She had enriched Malmaison by a very fine and choice collection of plants, and it is fair to presume, that she who raised to a throne employed herself in acts of humanity, and in this innocent and de- lightful pursuit, possessed no common mind. It was said in Paris, however, at this time, that Madame Buonaparte had been nearly disgraced several times, but that the brothers of the first Consul supported her, on the expectation that if he had no issue of his own, some of their children might suc- ceed him ; so that a divorce was probably in Buonaparte's contemplation, from the moment that he saw a prospect of making the government permanent and hereditary ! At this time an invitation was sent to Mr. Fox, from Miss Helen Maria Williams. She requested the pleasure of his company to an evening party, and to express how much this honour would gratify her, wrote that it would be "a white day," thus distinguished. Some of Mr. Fox's friends wished him to decline this invitation altoere- o 288 ther, from apprehension of giving a handle to ill-nature and calumny. He, however, always the same, disdaining the fear of suspicion, and unwilling ungraciously to refuse an invitation earnestly pressed, did not agree with them, and went for a short time. I mention this circumstance because it proves how unwilling he was to give offence or pain, as also, how much he soared above common party views. He was aware that he might be misrepresented and blackened for going to Miss Williams's con- versazione, as much as he had been for admit- ting Mr. A. O'Connor to his presence ; but he despised slander, was not anxious for place, and was too benignant to slight, with contempt and scorn, the request of an accomplished female, whose vanity, as well as a natural admiration of so great a man, were deeply concerned that he should grant it. A very interesting dinner, to which Mr. Fox was at this time invited, brought vi- vidly to recollection the horrors and ex- cesses of the revolutionary times. M. Per- 289 regaux, a banker noted for his wealth, inte* grity, and politeness, requested Mr. Fox and several of his friends to dine with him : he was a man advanced in years, of a noble persenee, and most agreeable frankness of manners. The company was select and pleasing. M . Perrigaux, by his good sense and consummate prudence, had escaped the very worst times of Robespierre. It was, however, still a matter of wonder to himself how he had escaped. He had seen his friends daily fall around him, and, having a small country house at Passy, a short distance from Paris, he retired there to avoid being in the midst of accumulated horrors, and often in a calm day, or evening, heard distinctly the chop of the guillotine. t? 290 CHAPTER X1L XM^E continued busily employed every morning in transcribing and reading at the office of the Archives ; and, as we were never interrupted or disturbed, I was sur- prized one day by the door opening. A stranger of an interesting and graceful figure came gently in, advanced rapidly, and in embracing Mr. Fox, shewed a countenance full of joy, while tears rolled down his cheeks. Mr. Fox testified equal emotion. It was M. de la Fayette, the virtuous and un- shaken friend of liberty ! Louis, James, Ba- rillon, all vanished from my mind — a more gratifying subject for contemplation was before me ! Fayette, at a very early age, had visited London ; he had there become acquainted with Mr. Fox, and they had not met again 291 till now. There was too much congeniality in their souls not to produce an early and strong sentiment of friendship. Destined from their youth to be, in their respective countries, the protectors of the sacred cause of liberty, they had followed different paths, but each led to the same temple — -that of glory founded on the people s happiness. M. Fayette, born under a despotic regime, saw nothing in his own country to employ a young and enthusiastic mind. North America attracted his attention — sorely op- pressed, asking for justice — all her com- plaints rejected — her petitions unheeded— her murmurs disregarded — America was beginning to feel the sacred impulse of liberty — she was stretching and unfolding her half-fledged wings, — doubting her powers — dreading her adversary — and wavering between submission and disj air : — she was in the infancy of her strength, when Fayette, animated with the glorious cause, left all the luxuries and indigencies which rank and fortune could procure him, crossed the Atlantic, and oilered himself u 2 29'2 to the Americans, as a champion and a friend. He built, at his own expense, a fri- gate, to aid the cause; and, by his military and civil exertions, contributed not a little to the emancipation of the United States of Ame- rica ! Whilst Fayette thus promoted the cause of liberty in America, his noble friend, in the British House of Commons, laboured, with equal zeal, to inspire an obstinate and unenlightened ministry with respect for the rights of humanity, and mercy for the tor- tured Americans: loudly and repeatedly he raised his voice in their favour, and if he did not convince the ministry, he at length con- vinced the nation. Peace was made, and Fox found his bene- volent mind relieved from hearing daily of civil discord, of unavailing bloodshed, and of hor- rid warfare, in which each party was weak- ened, no object was gained, and the ene- mies of the two countries could alone find pleasure. America was acknowledged inde- pendent : her prosperity has since been pro- gressive and unexampled ; and it is no com- mon debt of gratitude she owes to Fox and m Fayette. The affectionate interview which took place before my eyes, between those great and excellent men, gave a new turn to my thoughts. I observed, with secret and unspeakable satisfaction, that purity of prin- ciples, and goodness of heart, formed a bond which no time or separation dissolves. These great and good men had not met for many long years — different countries con- tained them — different pursuits occupied them — different connections engaged them — but their excellent minds still sympathised : their hearts were united, and the people's cause was to both like a polar star. M. de la Fayette had come from the country to see Mr. Fox, and to invite him to his house. He now resided entirely there, and had been allured from his retirement by this call of friendship and affection. In a few moments their sentiments were interchanged; in a few looks their thoughts were known. The review of the past was taken in a mo- ment, and they soon appeared to be affec- tionate friends, who, having parted for a few days, were now re-united. M. dela Fayette 294 resided about thirty miles from Paris, and was quite unconnected with, and unconsulted by, the government. He viewed the new state of things with melancholy and regret ; not from an unfavourable opinion of the first Consul, but from a rooted and principled conviction, that arbitrary power is injurious to the happiness of the people. The reader will find annexed to this vo- lume, a letter of M. de la Fayette, on the con- sulship for life, which, as it is in perfect con- sonance with every act of that excellent and pure character, will be studied with pleasure by every lover of liberty. A fervent and chastened love of freedom is conspicuous in it: and the patriotic author seems to have closed his political career by this last act, in a way which will endear him to posterity, and rank his name in history, as theundevi- ating patriot, the friend of his country's rights, and, in every place and situation, the opponent of despotic power. — Let him who peruses this letter feel the value of steadiness of principle, but let no oneprcsume, in order to throw blame upon Buonaparte, to set forth 295 this interesting document as evidence of his criminality, who himself every day prostitutes himself to power, and riots in the spoils of an abused people. Fayette wrote for the world and posterity. His view was not to disturb an established government, or indulge in petulance and spleen; but to leave a record, which in future times might vindicate his own character, and inform his descendants, that to the last Fayette was consistent. Since his retirement, and in the gloomy prospects of the republic, he had lived in the most private and simple manner; in the bosom of a tender and affectionate family he found every consolation ; he frequented no place of amusement, never went to the theatre, and, with a limited and curtailed fortune, exhibited the bright example of # public man, content with a little, free from envious and angry feelings, and willing to live in dignified silence, when he had not the power to do good. Mr. Fox cheerfully complied with M. de la Fayette's wish of seeing him at La Grange, (the name 296 of his country house,) and agreed to visit him in a fortnight. Mr. Fox this day received all the gratifica- tion of a feeling and affectionate mind. The family of General Fo.t had arrived; and, as no man was more domestic, no man was more attached to all his family, he found in his extended circle, further enlarged by Mr. Henry Fox, his nephew, and niece, every gratification he could desire. That amiable family were worthy their exalted relative, and it added not merely to his satisfaction in seeing them around him in Paris, but their presence highly contributed to the plea- sure and charm of our select society. On the following day, we drove to St. Cloud, having obtained an order of admis- sion. That superb chateau was now furnishing, and putting in complete order for the reception of the first Consul. As we approached it every thing wore a military appearance ; sentinels, every twenty yards, paraded about, diminishing, in my eyes, the beauty of the place. When we entered, how- 297 ever, the display of elegance, ta 1 te, and riches, dazzled and enchanted every eye. Every room was fitted up differently. The silk in each was of a different colour. The gallery and chapel were untouched, remaining as the royal family hud left them; but the whole was, we understood, to be altered and improved ; and none of the furniture or ornaments placed there by the queen was to be retained. The si vie oi ornamenting was in the most exquisite taste. We saw a plain and commodious cabinet, fitted up for the first Consul, and a most superb and costly bath for Madame. The expense of furnishing and fitting up St. Cloud, was estimated at 500,000. As Mr. Fox proceeded in his research among the Archives, an occasional day intervened, as he advanced in his progress, which was given to invitations, or visits of an interesting nature. A dejedner, given by Madame Recamier, at Chchy, -at this time, collected almost every distinguished person at Paris : w r e went there about three 298 o'clock. So much has been said of the beauty of the charming hostess, that it would be superfluous to say more, than that every one was captivated by it. But her simple and unaffected manners, a genuine mildness and goodness of disposition, obvious in all she said and did, with as little vanity as is possible to conceive, in a young woman so extravagantly admired, were still more interesting. She received her visitors with singular ease and frankness. The house at Clichy was a pretty one, and the gardens extended to the river ; in the latter, the company walked about till all were assem- bled. There, for the first time, we saw General Moreau ; his appearance was plain and heavy, — his dress rather negligent; — his coun- tenance, I thought, denoted indolence, and his air had nothing martial or elevated. — He struck me, then, as quite inadequate to be placed in competition with Buonaparte ; there was much bon homnrie, much calmness about him; but I discovered no latent energy; and although I endeavoured to admire him for 299 his past exploits, I could not bring myself to think him a great man. Mr. Fox address- ed himself to him, and turned the discourse upon Louis XIV. and the history of those times. Moreau, upon this subject, was dull, and did not elicit one spark of intelligence. Afterwards at table, he was free in his dis- course about the army ; but those who heard his conversation remarked that he testified more want of thought, than prudence, in his manner of expressing himself. Moreau was above the middle size, but his person was ungraceful, and not well formed He lived at this time about ten or twelve miles from Paris, and was said to be much devo- ted to his wife and to hunting. Eugene Beauharnois, viceroy of Italy, was at this entertainment; and a great crowd of French characters, eminent for rank and talents. Since the period of which I write, the amiable and lovely Madame llecamier has sustaineda great reverse of fortune, by the fai- lure of Monsieur Recamier,who was a banker. She bore her fall, it is said, with great fortitude; and, reducing her establishment from a splen- 300 did to a very humble one, continued to live with all that calm cheerfulness which had marked her in times of affluence. If I had ad- mired this most charming woman at Paris, surrounded by admirers, and possessing every thing that wealth could bestow, — as gentle, unassuming, and untainted by vanity, how much more admirable did I think her when I heard that she bore adversity with nobleness of mind, which shews the possessor to be independent of fortune and of the world ! I have since learned, indeed, that this admirable woman is no more: form- ing a high opinion of her conduct at CHchy, I have never ceased to think of her without esteem. — I mourned over her misfortunes, and felt that grief at her death, which is ever due to the memory of a lovely, accom- plished, and unaffected woman. I cannot help mentioning an interesting- little piece, which I saw at the Theatre Rue Feydeu in the evening, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Fox. It was called, " Nina, ou la folle par amour." We were all charmed with it. A young girl in the country 301 falls in love : her friends refuse their ap- probation of the young man of her choice — she grows melancholy and deranged. — Her parents, alarmed, use every method to restore, but in vain. At length, her lover is brought to see her — she does not know him — he speaks to her — still she is insensible — till a look recalls her wayward fancy ; she trembles, and be- gins, in a confused way, to recognize her beloved ! Tears burst forth, and nature and reason assert their rights ! — The acting was so excellent, that it is impossible to do justice to it ; but it may serve as a powerful proof that the French possess exquisite feeling, and on the stage are unrivalled in exciting it, in that familiar and tender manner which comes home to all hearts. The day succeeding the dejeuner, at Clichy, presented us with a new and curious, though certainly not very interesting sight. It was a seance of the tribunate, a body to whom the task of digesting and preparing laws for the consideration of the legislature had been originally allotted. The sitting was held in a part of the Palais Royal. As we waited in the antichamber, an officer, who had been pri- 302 soner at Portsmouth, recognized Mr. Fox, and, in a very handsome manner, thanked him for some former interference in the House of Commons, in behalf of himself and his fel- low prisoners. His figure was good and im- posing — his manner polite and grateful — and as the act was quite spontaneous, it had all that effect which the overflow of the heart gives on public occasions. Mr. Fox was embarrassed by the compliments paid him, and scarcely replied. As we were summoned to the seanceby the beating of a drum, I did not anticipate any thing very august. Nor was I deceived. We entered a small hall, of an oval form : a semicircle of benches were arranged for members, and a gallery was raised for spec- tators. Very few persons were present: the clerk or secretary read the names of per- sons presenting hooks to the nation — their nature and contents — some other equally interesting forms were gone through, wher the meeting broke up. This was a strange scene to one accustomed to the English House of Commons : we restrained our 303 smiles, and left the place diverted with this specimen of the exertions of a French legis- lative bodv. We afterwards understood that warm discussions had taken place, relating to new laws, in the tribunate, and that govern- ment in consequence had thought fit to reduce it to the phantom we saw. From thence we proceeded to behold a dif- ferent sight indeed — the Hotel des Invalides. It is a noble and most interesting establish- ment. The officers and privates there enjoy repose, and tranquilly wear out the rest of their days. The interior forms a noble and even sublime sight: trophies and standards adorn the halls, and are most appropriately placed ; the tomb of Turenne rests in awful silence ! The remains of that great general, and excellent man, filled me with veneration and sorrow ; he was the father of his soldiers, and the supporter of his country. Such men are honoured by all nations, and live for the benefit of society at large ; they soften the horrors of war, and accelerate the return of Peace. Happy in domestic life, their ambition does not hurry them into per- petual broils ; but when called by their coun- 30i try, their virtue is bright in its defence. I stood before the tomb! I imagined I heard the groans of his soldiers-—! thought I saw their tears and their rage, when his horse came past without its illustrious rider ! — they had lost a protector and friend, never to be replaced ! Our labours at the Archives were now drawing to a close ; and as I rejoiced at the accomplishment of Mr. Fox's purpose, so I was glad to have more time to observe the new and striking scenes around me. I fre- quented the theatres as much as possible, going often alone to see the best pieces ; and this I recommend strongly to every stran- ger wishing to become master of the French language and its pronunciation ; and that not as mere amusement, but as a study of their first dramatic authors. I now saw, with infinite pleasure, the Zaire of Voltaire represented. M. and Madame Talma, and La Fonds pleased me highly. With the Italian opera I was quite enchanted ; the music and singing were excellent ; the house a pro- per size, and the acting good. The TartufFe, 305 of the inimitable Moliere, I saw at the thea- tre Francois with great delight ; though I thought it did not answer the expectations on the stage, which the perusal of that ex- cellent comedy had raised. It would, how- ever, fatigue my readers if I were to enume- rate every thing we now saw, — the Monu- mens Francois, disposed in a manner the happiest that can be conceived, the Jardin de PJantes, Pantheon, Palais de Justice, &c. &c. •J 06 CHAPTER XIII. HP HE new year, according to the repub- lican style, was now (the l£th Sep- tember) commencing; five complimentary days preceded the 1st of Vindemaire. The French government, always attentive to the amusements of the people, had ordered fetes, illuminations, and the exhibition of the pro- duce of national industry, to take place on this occasion. Paris, in consequence, was gay beyond measure. The fete, which was held in the Champs Elysees, although attended by so many thousand people, exhibited no disorder or impropriety; no intoxication was to be observed, every one enjoyed the vari- ous sports; the day was excessively fine, and there could not be a more pleasing sight. In the evening illuminations at the Thuille- lies succeeded, which had a delightful effect ; 307 the gardens were open, and every person permitted to walk about as they pleased. At this time, splendid parties at the Marquis de Gallo's, and M. Lucehesine's, took place, and the round of amusements and pleasures, which followed one another, scarcely left time to dress, and not much to think. This lasted but a very few days, and closed with the exhibition at the Louvre. A square had been fitted up with temporary shops, an esplanade and pillars ; within these shops were deposited every thing rare and excel- lent, the produce of the national indus- try. Previous to the indiscriminate admission of the people, a few were permitted to see this admirable display of national wealth. Mr. and Mrs. Fox, General Fitzpatrick, Lord St. John, and myself, went the first day. The first Consul, attended by his guards, came in a plain coach. I had an opportu- nity of judging better of him here than at the levee. He walked in public with an in- flexible and commanding gravity : the small- ness of his figure lost its disadvantages in x 2 308 the awi'ul severity of his countenance; his step was measured and calm, and his eyes did not wander but were fixed, or looked straight forward. As the first magistrate of the state, and its military chieftain also, he carried himself with great propriety and decorum in public, and there was nothing ferocious or rough in his demeanour. He spoke some time to Mr. Fox, who was in one of the shops, but as I was not with him, I cannot relate the conversation. This exhibition of the produce of national industry was very interesting; the finest silks, the most beautiful tapestry, porcelaine, lace, cambrics, furniture of every kind, and of new inventions, works in steel, glass, marble, — every thing which an ingenious and flourishing people could send to Paris, from every quarter, were here exhibited. It was a most pleasing and instructive sight, and an example worthy of the imitation of all nations. As our time forgoing to M. la Fayette's ap- proached, I anticipated with delight the plea- 309 sures of the country, and the society of the family at La Grange. Mr. Fox looked forward to it with great satisfaction; his friendship for its possessor, and natural inclination for the country, attracting him strongly there. A residence of a considerable time in Paris with him, had confirmed, and in- creased my sentiments of admiration and esteem for this truly great man. His mo- deration and simplicity were perfectly un- changed in this great vortex of vanity, pomp, and pleasure : receiving daily the most flat- tering (and, to any other man, intoxicating) marks of general esteem and applause, from French, English, and other persons, ot almost every other nation ; he was uniformly the same : no variation appeared, and not a shadow of vanity passed over his cha- meter. At times walking alone with him, in an evening, in the garden of the Hotel de Richelieu, I have been instructed and always interested by his conversation. The French government did not inspire him with any respect for its constitution, but he took a philosophic and statesman- 310 like view of it. At these times his manner was peculiarly serene ; his conversation candid and undisguised — saying little — listening a great deal, and then interposing a simple yet powerful remark, founded on history and the nature of man. He listened with complacency to every statement of facts, and though he drew different conclu- sions from them, was far from being dis- pleased at opinions more unfavourable to the French government than his own. These were precious moments. Mr. Fox instruct- ed often by a look, and the smile which said so expressively, yet good-naturedly ** surely you are going too far;" was not to be forgotten. This method of instructing or improving a youthful and inexperienced mind, was a very singular one. He allowed his com- panion to talk, to ask questions, and to express opinions quite dissimilar to his own ; but by withholding his approbation, by the smile of doubt, and a gentle dissent on one or two poLts, he brought him to re- consider the question (allowing him 311 his full merit for original and sound re- mark,) and by dispassionate investigation, to correct the errors incident to hasty or ill- grounded opinions. Truth was his sole ob- ject, and he never disdained the humblest attempts to elucidate it in others, if he was clearly satisfied with their sincerity. It cost him no pain to surrender his own opinion upon conviction — he readily did so, but there were two vices in society singled out, and deservedly lashed, by the excellent author of Joseph Andrews, which Mr. Fox mortally hated — Hypocricy and Affec- tation ; these were quite intolerable in pri- vate and intimate society to him, and he never assumed any appearance of esteem where he did not feel it. He kept a plain and moderate table at Paris, where his earliest friends were often found. One of them, Mr. Hare, then at Paris, was too ill to dine out, and Mr, Fox visited him often, — Mr. Hare, once the brilliant meteor in society, whose wit, and powers of pleasing, wxre amazingly great — the friend of Fox, and the men of genius of the day, I saw then de- 312 dining in his sphere — the languid counte- nance and feeble frame betokened ap- proaching dissolution — his eyes yet beamed with tremulous fire, and his mind was clear and undisturbed. He testified much affec- tion for Mr. Fox, and seemed to revive at his presence. His decease was not far dis- tant ! How little was I aware that his illustrious friend would follow so soon ! Mr. Fox seldom entertained at his table more than six or eight. The conversation was always cheerful and pleasant. I re- collect M. de Narbonne, an Ex-minister, dining with him. A man of more vivacity than talent, an eloquent talker — a great admirer of Hume, the English historian, and consequently no enemy to royalty. At one of those pleasant small dinner parties, I have seen Mr. West and Mr. Opie, and heard Mr. Fox discuss the merits of almost all the grand painters with great acumen, taste, and discrimination. Such parties were greatly preferable to the dinners at the mi- nister for Foreign Affairs. What a con- 313 trast too ! At the one the smooth intercourse and studied dissimulation of the world, — at the other, sincerity, politeness, and wit ! Previous to our leaving Paris for La Grange,MadameCABARRUs y ci-devant Tallien, gave an elegant and sumptous dinner to Mr. Fox and other distinguished foreigners. Every thing which taste, genius, or art, could contrive, conspired to make this the most perfect sort of entertainment I had witnessed. Madame Cabarrus was a most lovely woman, something upon a large scale, and of the most fascinating manners. She was rather in disgrace at court, where decorum and morals were beginning to be severely attended to : Madame was sup- posed, when separated from her husband, to have been indiscreet, and did not appear there. Most of Mr. Fox's friends were at this dinner; but the surprize, and, indeed, dis- pleasure of some English characters of political consequence, was great at finding that Mr. Arthur O'Connor was one of the 314 guests. This had been done inadvertently by Madame Cabarrus, and was certainly not considered. Mr. now Lord Erskine, was extremely uneasy, lest evil report should misrepresent this matter in England ; but Mr. Fox, ever magnanimous, treated it as an unavoidable, though unlucky circumstance. He spoke to Mr. O'Connor as usual, and lost none of the enjoyment of the evening from an event, which, being trivial, must be forgotten ivhen malignity iv as fatigued with recounting it. I do not recollect upon the whole that Mr. Fox saw this gentleman more than twice during his stay in Paris. It was, indeed, understood that the French government did not look with a favourable eye upon the Irish Exiles, and they certainly received no public countenance whatever. Madame Cabarrus had a charming house, at the extremity of the city; the gardens were pretty, and taste reigned every where. This fascinating woman exerted herself for the accommodation of her guests with infinite kindness and elegance: she was scarcely satisfied to allow her servants to do any 315 little office in the course of a delightful evening, but often anticipated the wishes and wants of her guests herself. French horns played during dinner, and in the evening, with a very happy effect, being well placed and admirably played. A ventri- loquist of extraordinary powers entertained us extremely. His imitation of a revolu- tionary committee in the corner of the room, was admirable, as well as several other proofs he gave of this astonishing talent. M. Tallien was himself at this time in Paris, but all intercourse between him and his wife had ceased. Lord St. John, who afterwards met him in a private company, told me, that he gave a very interesting account of the apprehension of Robespierre. It will be recollected that Tallien was one of the principal persons concerned in the seizure of the Robespierres, and in over- throwing that execrable tyranny. On the 1st Vindemaire (September 23d) another levee was held, at which Mr. Fox was present. The first Consul was not more penetrating on this occasion than on 316 the former, respecting Lord Erskine. The ceremony was similar to that of the former levee. It was usual to invite those prevent- ed at a former one, to dinner on the sub- sequent one. Mr. Fox on this occasion, therefore, dined with the first Consul. I re- collect well his return in the evening to the hotel de Richelieu : he said Buonaparte talked a great deal, and I inferred at the time, that he who engrossed the conversa- tion in company with Mr. Fox, debarred himself of much instruction, and did not feel his value sufficiently. Mr. Fox, how- ever, was pleased, or 1 may say amused. After dinner, which was a short one, the first Consul retired, with a select number, to Madam Buonaparte's apartments in the Thuilleries, where the rest of the evening was spent. Mr. Fox appeared to consider Buonaparte as a young man who was a good deal intoxicated with his success and sur- prizing elevation, and did not doubt of his sincerity as to the maintenance of peace. He manifested some irritation against a part of Mr. Pitt's ministry, as having instigated and been privy to plots against his life, par- 317 ticularly that of the infernal machine actually named one individual whom reproached with having aided it the late Mr. Windham ! — Mr. Fox did every thing to discharge the mind of the first Consul from such an idea, as far as his own positive contradiction, and as his belief strongly expressed, could go. Buonaparte spoke a good deal of the possibility of doing away all difference between the inhabitants of the two worlds — of blending the black and the white, and having universal peace ! Mr. Fox related a considerable part of the evening's conversations, with which he was certainly much diverted, but he had imbi- bed no improved impressions of the first Consul's genius from what passed. For my part, I was quite satisfied with levees, and great dinners, and parties, and now looked with unfeigned delight to our departure for La Grange. ( 318 ) CHAPTER XIV. }N the morning of the 24th of Septem- ber we left Paris for the country. There was nothing striking in that part through which we passed, formerly called the Isle of France. As we approached La Grange, it became evidently a corn dis- trict. The towers and wooa^of the Cha- teau appeared in peaceful repose as we drove near, and when we gained a full view of the building, I felt great emotion. It was the residence of a great and good man — a patriot and friend to mankind, whose life had been consecrated to virtue and liberty. Such truly was M. de la Fayette. The chateau was of a very singular construction, qua- 319 drangular, and ornamented by Moorish towers at each angle, which had no unpleasing effect. A ruined chapel was near the man- sion : the fosse was filled up through neglect and a long lapse of time. We drove into the court-yard. The family came to the hall to meet us. That good and amiable family, happy in themselves, and rejoicing to see the illustrious friend of La Fayette ! Can I forget that moment ? No silly affec- tation — no airs of idle ceremony, were seen at the residence of him who gloriously and successfully had struggled for America, and had done all he could for France ! M. de la Fayette and Madame received Mr. and Mrs. Fox with the heartiest wel- come. The family consisted of two daugh- ters, a son and his wife — all young and ele- gant — all living with M. de la Fayette, as their brother and friend. As his figure was youthful and graceful, (his age at this time being about forty-nine or fifty,) he appeared quite a young man. His benevolent coun- tenance — the frank and warm manners, which made him quite adored in his family — 320 and a placid contentedness, amounting to cheerfulness, altogether had an irresistible effect in gaining the affections and esteem of those admitted to his more intimate society. Madame de la Fayette, of the ancient fa- mily of Noaiiles, was a superior and admi- rable woman, possessing the high polish of the ancientnobility, eloquentand animated. — Fondly attached to M. de la Fayette and her family, she regretted nothingof past splendour, she possessed a cherished husband, and was happy in retirement. M. de la Fayette's son was a pleasing young man ; his wife very engaging and interesting; his daughters were charming yoifng women, quite free from the insipid languor, or wretched affectation, which, in young women of fashion, so much destroys originality of character, and makes one find in one fashionable young lady, the prototype and pattern of ten thousand. In a word, this amiable and most interesting family seemed united by one bond of affec- tion, and to desire nothing beyond the circle of their tranquil mansion, 321 It is necessary to recur to some past events in M. de la Fayette's life, to do full justice to such a family. It is well known that M. de la Fayette had been arrested on leav- ing France, and thrown into the dungeons of Olmutz. He had continued imprisoned a considerable time, when Madame de la Fayette, unable to bear her separation from him, determined to make an effort for his liberty, or to share his fate, and set out for Germany, with her young and lovely chil- dren. At the feet of the emperor she implored his majesty to release her husband, or to allow her to participate in his confine- ment. Her first request was coldly refused ; — she was, however, permitted to visit her husband. From that time, for several years, she never left him, herself and daughters sharing with him every inconvenience and misery ! The damps of his prison hurt the health of Madame, and she had never entirely recovered from their baneful effects : Buonaparte, to his honour it must be re- corded, interposed as soon as he had power effectually to do so, and insisted on the libe- tion of M. de la Fayette. Accordingly, at the period of which I write, (1802) he had r 322 not long arrived in France, having come by way of Holland, with his virtuous and excellent family, the partners of his captivity, and soothers of his sorrows. The chateau and estate of La Grange, which Madame, who was an heiress, had brought him, was all that remained of his fortunes: he had lost every thing besides, in the madness of revolutionary confiscation, and had not yet been able to procure restitution or com- pensation. To add to the interest of the scene, General Fitzpatrick, who had known M. de la Fayette in America, and had vainly attempted in the English House of Commons to rouse the Pitt ministry to a sense of humanity and commiseration for M. de la Fayette, joined the party at La Grange. That accomplished man was an addition to it of the most pleasing nature, and he was received most affectionately by the family. I have often contemplated with pleasure, General Fiztpatrick and M. de la Fayette walking in a long shady grove near the chateau, speaking of past times, the war in America, and the revolution in France. The 823 rare sight of three such men, as Fox, Fay- ette and Fitzpatrick, was grateful to any one who felt rightly, and valued men for their services to humanity, rather than for suc- cessful ambition. Lally Tollendal, also, whose father had, under the old regime, suffered so severe a fate, was at La Grange, an open, honest, and agreeable man,™ telling a great number of ancedotes, relating to the revolution, with point and energy, and resembling the Irish in his good-hu- moured and unstudied manners ; anxious to contribute to the pleasure of M. de la Fay- ette's guests, and pointing out every thing agreeable to English customs and habits. In the evenings, he read extracts from Shakespeare, translated by himself into French, with an almost stentorian voice, and much effect. A few of M. de la Fayette's country neighbours were also occasionally invited ; his table was plentiful, and our evenings diversified by conversation, chess, or some other game, as was most agreeable. Madame was extremely pleasing in conver- sation, and narrated her adventures, and v 2 324 sufferings in Germany, with great vivacity and ease. » The chateau itself was ancient, and simply furnished : the library, at the top of one of the towers, a circular room, with a com- manding view from its windows, was adorned by the busts of Washington, Franklin, and other di tinguished American patriots, as well as by those of Frenchmen of genius in modern times. The wood, which adjoined the chateau, was a beautiful one, divided in the old style by long green alleys, intersect- ing one another, admirably adapted for a stu- dious walk, or for reading remote from noise. Here was a place to enjoy the sublime and eloquent writings of Rousseau; and here I was happy to lose all thought of Paris and the world, filled with the grateful sensation, that I was the guest of a man so excellent as La Fayette. I often, too, had the satis- faction of conversing with him, as he was so unaffected and mild, that I had no difficulty in addressing him : he talked of Ireland, and Sir Edward Haversham, and enquired very much concerning the ancient Wolf Dog, one of which race (extinct I believe in France) he 325 desired much to procure. All his sentiments were noble, and his mind was animated with a true feeling for liberty. He spoke a good deal of America, and told me, that so great was the jealousy of the Americans against foreign troops, that he was obliged to consent to reduce the number stipulated for, though he afterwards negotiated for more at home, to make the aid effectual ! Worthy and respectable man ! If I have seen you for the last time, my wishes for your repose, and my gratitude shall ever be alive. I shall ever dwell on your name with reve- renceand affection; and those delightful daysl spent at La Grange, shall remain consecrated in my memory, as among the most fortu- nate and pleasing of my life. The political career of M. de la Fayette had not, it is true, the same happy result in France as in America ; but it is to be considered, that his situation in the former was arduous beyond measure. A friend to a limited monarchy, and to the legitimate rights of the people, at a time when the support of one was deemed hostility to the 326 other, he found it impossible, consistent with his principles, to fall into the mania of the nation. A king of integrity and firmness, with La Fayette as his counsellor, might have been safe, even in the tumultuous times preceding the seizure of the common- wealth, by sanguinary demagogues ; but Louis, it is to be feared, wanted both these qualities, certainly the latter ! La Fayette failed, therefore, in his patriotic views, not as the first Consul is said to have insinuated, because heattempted what was impracticable; but because those whose interest it was to second his views, and whose happiness would have been insured by them, did not support him. A ruined throne, and desolated country, subsequently attested the purity of his principles, and the soundness of his judgment. M. de la Fayette had begun to devote himself much to agricultural pursuits, (the happiest occupation of man !) and had entirely withdrawn himself from political affairs. His house and family were excels 327 lently well regulated ; each had their own employment ; till dinner, every guest was left quite free to follow his studies, — to walk and explore the country, — to write, — to act as he pleased, — dinner re-assembled every one ; and the hours flew swiftly past. Mr. Fox was very happy at La Grange ; every thing suited his taste there, and he had, be- sides, the gratification of seeing his friend, after a life of dangers, and years of captivity, sheltered, at length, on the moderate estate of La Grange — having all his family around him, and conscientiously satisfied that he had done every thing for his country that his powers and opportunities had allowed. His garden, which was large, but had been neglected, also occupied a good deal of the attention of M. de la Fayette. He was in the mornings engaged in his farms, and enjoyed, with much relish, the avocations of agriculture ! We remained a week at La Grange. 1 left it with great regret. The same kind and hospitable family bade us adieu ; they lingered on the stair-case. We took leave 328 of Madame. It was for the last time ! That amiable woman, never having reco- vered her health, is since dead ; and the lovely chateau of La Grange stands deprived of its hospitable mistress. M. de la Fayette, in the year 1803, sustained a dreadful fracture of his thigh bone, but recovered, and continues to reside in his retirement at La Grange. ( 329 ) CHAPTER XV. {\N our return to Paris, we found rumours afloat of an unpleasant nature : Lord Whitworth had not arrived, but it was said that the first Consul was dissatisfied, and that a new rupture was likely to take place. This was whispered, but not credited. I heard, indeed, that the gross language of the English papers had afforded Buonaparte matter for irritation and complaint, and that every passage, relating to his government, was translated by his orders, and laid before him, but I did not consider such reports well founded, though I have since had reason to think they were. As yet, however, there was but a whisper, and whatever causes combined to renew hostilities be- tween the two nations, it is heavily to be deplored that their true interests were not better understood, and such an event prevented. In the close of the summer of 1802, the 330 French government seemed much inclined to be on good terms with England, and the people of France were certainly anxious that a good understanding, and harmony, should be restored between the nations. There was,on our first arrival, a marked disposition on all sides to prefer and to distinguish the English as a superior race of men. In public the English were admired and respected : the odious acts of Mr. Pitt's ministry were forgotten, and an amnesty in opinion appeared to be the predominant sentiment. The day succeeding our arrival from La Grange, we dined at Berthier's, the minister of war (now Prince of Neufchatel.) The entertainment was splendid and striking. Military trophies decorated the great stair- case, and the dining room was ornamented by busts of Dessaix, Hoche, and two other generals, deceased. A number of military characters were present. Berthier, agree- able, active, and penetrating, seemed equally fit for war or the cabinet. Massena, about forty-five or six years of age, with keen and piercing small black eyes, strong make, a de- termined air, and lively motion, looked ready 381 to seize his prey at all times, and not likely to relinquish it easily. Bougain- ville, the venerable circumnavigator of the globe was at this dinner, and on seeing him, I rubbed my eyes, and suspected we had gone back a century — his aspect was ve- nerable and intelligent — V olney, the cele- brated author of the ruins of empires, was also present — His countenance was quite intellectual — his person thin and tall — and his air altogether, and appearance, more inte- resting than that of any person among the French at Berthier's dinner. The form of invitation, a just remark, was quite agreeable to the republican style in date, designation of the year, and in title, " Republique Fran- caise," affixed to it. An Austrian officer, in full regimentals, in the midst of the French officers at General Berthier's, was a striking and pleasant sight. After long and bloody wars, to behold brave men of nations, lately hostile, meeting in social converse, and for- getting all animosity, was one very agreeable fruit of peace. As the season now advanced, Mr. Fox began to think of returning to England. 332 Very little remained to be explored at the Archives. The elucidation of the material points was completed, and we were now to take leave of Louis the XlVth and Barillon. Mr. Fox turned his thoughts towards home, as the place where his history could best pro- ceed, and he had obtained a great deal of va- luable materials, to bring there with him. How much it is to be regretted that his de- signs were interrupted, and that a fragment of that history only remains. From a recent examination of it, I cannot help again regret- ing that it appeared so soon, and prefaced in a manner calculated to raise expectation, already too much on the stretch. In a conversation I had with the noble edi- tor, he was of opinion in which I entirely concurred, that a few lines, stating the facts, and leaving the fragment for public conside- ration, was all that was required, as in the way of preface. That Lord Holland subse- quently changed this opinion, I shall ever re- gret. It was the spontaneous and judicious idea of his own mind, and were it possible to hand the work down to posterity, according to that conception, it ought yet to be done. 333 I have doubts whether Barillon's papers re- ceived a second reading and re-consideration by Mr. Fox, on returning to England, and I am strongly induced to think that his work would not have passed out of his hands be- fore the public without it. Under these cir- cumstances, any references of the editor were very dangerous. For instance, that to the letter of Louis the XlVth, of the 24th of April, is not a corroboration of the his- tory. I believe also, Mr. Fox, on further examination of those papers, would have modified the opinion expressed in the page to which that reference is affixed, and in page 107. The letter is a sort of conditional bond of Louis, or an explanation of the terms on which a sum of money was to be paid ; viz. if parliament were refractory, and required bribing, and if the king demanded the money from Barillon. The passage in the history stands thus — " Louis/ - secure in the knowledge that his views of absolute power must continue him (James) in dependence upon France, seems to have refused further supplies, and even, in some measure, to have withdrawn those which had been stipulated, as a mark of his displeasure with his depen- 334 dent for assuming a higher tone than he thought becoming." Now the particular letter of April the 24th does not shew Louis " secure;" the begin- ning of it alludes to a threat of James, that he must concede to his parliament, if he does not get the money down : Louis then, in a conditional manner mentioned, agrees that four hundred thousand livres should be paid to the king's ministers, and even sixteen hundred thousand remaining, are to be used in the same manner, if the parliament behave so ill as to require dissolution, or that the free exercise of the Catholic religion be so much prevented, that arms against his sub- jects must be used by James : he says that he must see an absolute necessity, in the the refractoriness of parliament, before he gives great sums, but repeats that he allows the four hundred thousand livres to be paid : adding a threat of his displeasure if James presses too much. This was not refusing " further supplies," nor withdrawing them, but it was withholding a part, and granting a part, which was quite conformable to Louis's whole conduct, as to James, and denotes the o 35 reverse of being " secure." The simple state of the case appearing, that James threat- ened Louis with the parliament, and that Louis threatened James with not giving him monev, that neither were secure of one ano- ther, and that this drama lasted till James de- servedly lost his crown, and Louis his cor- rupt influence in England. My reasons, ex- clusive of this particular, and unfortunately- quoted letter, that Mr. Fox would have altered the opinion as to Louis's being " se- cure" as to James, are drawn from the letters of the French king, subsequent to that of the 24th of April, in almost all of which he tes- tifies anxiety about James's formingalliances, and an apprehension that he might be in- duced to join a league for troubling the re- pose of Europe, as Louis presumptuously styled the thraldom in which he desired to keep it. With all his ostentatious arrogance to his own ambassador — his flourish (which was but a guess) to the Duke of Villeroy, was compounded of cunning and vanity, and his affected contempt of James, I think it is mani- fest that he was afraid of him all through the latter part of the year 1685. James was a different subject for his management from 336 Charles the II. — he had neither the same hold of him through his voluptuousness, or unprincipled facility — devoid of pride, as he had upon Charles. Accordingly, it appears from Barillon' s and Louis's letters, that the foreign ministers had greater hopes of James, and they doubtless flattered his pride, as much as Louis plied his bigotry. In August and September, of the year 1685, James ap- pears to have had fluctuations between the honour of his crown, and the corruptions ot Louis. He was then deemed by the latter to incline to Holland, Spain, Brandenburg, and Austria : Barillon expressly writes, too, that the Austrian minister had great hopes as to his dispositions : in November Louis writes, " J'apprends de toutes parts que le Roy d'Angleterre, temoigne unegrande disposi- tion, a entrer dans toutes sortcs (Tengage- mens contraires a mes interets." Again, in the same month, he is apprehensive of his engaging in the interests of Austria, and desires Barillon to discover the true designs of the English king, going so far as to declare, that if he treats with other powers, he, Louis, will be glad of any difficulties his parliament may throw in his way. The 337 letter of Louis, 19th November, 16S5, is full of suspicion and mean malignity ; even in- citing Barillon to stir up members of the Commons against James, if he proves un- grateful to the French monarch. Barillon, in answer to this, expresses, towards the end of his letter, his difficulties in endea- vouring to prevent foreign treaties, and not being allowed to settle on a subsidy with James: Louis certainly, by such suspicious and jealous conduct, placed his ambassador in a most perplexing situation ; who sug- gests a pension to Lord Sutherland, as the only middle course, and Louis consents to this, on the ground that he, Sutherland, should prevent engagements contrary to the French king's interest, shewing thereby that he was not at all " secure" of James himself; and, indeed, in the same letter (ending the year 1685) he expresses a hope, that James will not hastily renew his treaty with Spain ! James's apologies (History, p. 10') to Barillon, prove as much the necessity he felt of deceiving the French court, as they do dependence upon it. I cannot help being of opinion, that Louis found him more un- <9 38 bending than he desired, and was disap- pointed and displeased by his conduct very much ; his expressions on the death of Charles, being those of strong disappoint- ment, his fears of the " repose of Europe" being disturbed through James ; — his malig- nant intention of sowing divisions in parlia- ment, his jealous caution about money, and his resistance of all Barillon's advice, shew that he viewed the two brothers in very different lights, and apprehended that if James grew* strong at home, he might ultimately turn his arms against France, and join in the general league. I trust, this disgression may be the more readily par- doned, as the work I have undertaken is necessarily somewhat desultory, — as the candour of the illustrious author of the frag- ment would have been prompt, had he lived, to admit it, if his opinion had gone a little too far, as historic truth is of the most paramount value, and as I am sure the noble editor and the public will be glad to peruse suggestions, arising from a deep veneration for the departed, which may tend to excuse. or to account for, those slight imperfections 339 unavoidably incident to a posthumous work never corrected, and not even prepared and re-considered for publication. On the 6th of October, 1802, I accom- panied Mr. Fox to the Archives for the last time : we had been employed there about six weeks without material intermission. I shall not easily forget Mr. Fox walking up stairs, taking off his hat, and sitting down in our room, oppressed with heat and the fatigue arising from it ; — taking a few minutes to recover himself; and then ap- plying with the same ardour and industry every day, copying, reading aloud the passages leading to any discovery, keeping his friends busily employed, and always cheerful and active. After the day's labour had ended, Mr. Fox usually called at three, when we went to the museum, or some other place worthy of attention. But it is past, and those pleasant and instructive labours are for ever ended ! Previous to my leaving Paris, where Mr. Fox remained a few weeks longer, under the expectation of meeting his brother, General z 2 340 Fox, 1 endeavoured to see as much as possible of it, which, as our work grew lighter at the close of Ser ..o , became more practicable, without failing in that duty and grateful service, so deservedly due by me to the great man who had benevo- lently given me an opportunity so uncom- monly effective of seeing this brilliant city, and all its fascinating and extraordinary scenes. I have mentioned the stage — every theatre presented good actors. The Cid, Tan- cred, and other pieces, I saw represented admirably, at the theatre Francois. The smaller comic theatres were excellent ; even that of the Jeunes Eleves, afforded speci- mens of acting, to have been admired, in any place but in Paris. The grand opera filled me with sensations of delight: there the ballet is the most charming thing in the world, — the gracefulness, beauty, and activity of the dancers, — so many young females of different ages, modelled by the hands of the graces, were so fascinating a view, that the imagination, in recurring to Greece's most golden times, could scarce find a parallel, and might still more easily 341 have lead the spectator to forget himself. Frescati, too, was a brilliant and singular spectacle ; it was a handsome house, with a pretty garden, thrown open to the public, and beautifully illuminated, — crowds of fashionables walked about here, paid nothing for admittance, but expended what they pleased for refreshment. Here I saw Madame Recamier, also, for the last time, surrounded and almost overpowered by a multitude of persons admiring her. The lovely phantom, breathing a thousand delicious charms, yet flits before me; — and so ingenuous, and unaffected ! shunning the ardent gaze, and if conscious of her dazzling beauty, unas- suming and devoid of pride; rich at the first of female virtues, — a kind and noble heart ! The Palais de Justice I was but able to look into : the lawyers pleading loud, garrulous, and vehement, stunned my ears ; — they wanted what all lawyers in general want, modulation of voice, and gentleness of manner. There is something, too, so insipid, jf not revolting, in the arguments and details, 342 belonging to ordinary litigation, that unlcs.% Paris had been destitute of every eharra, I should not willingly have given much time, during our short stav, to listen to French lawyers : Notre Dame is venerable, but bv no means magnificent; the want of pic- tures makes it look very bare. The pantheon is a grand building ; the view from the top affords a beautiful panorama of Paris and its vincinity ; and, as the air is not loaded and darken d with coal smoke, every thing looks distinct and cheerful : in vaulted cavities be- neath, cenotaphs to Vokaire and Rousseau wtrre placed, — one of the means of revolu- tionary mania ! The last day of my stay in Paris being one on which a levee was held, I went with ^s\y Fox and some of his friends. It was a custom, rather than any remaining desire to behold the cold ceremonies and fatiguing pomp of the French court, which led me to the Thnilleries. Buonaparte's former ques- tion of Etes vous catholique P to me, when informed, that I was an Irish gentle- man, was not again repeated. I saw the 343 same persons, the same apartments, the same grandeur. It may be very well, said I, inwardly, to those who barter happiness for the unreal gratifications arising from pride, avarice, and ambition ; but I sicken at this repeated exhibition ; my heart feels no enjoyment here ; I am not sorry this is the last; and so I thought of the dinners at Neuilly ; — the labour of attending the great, of frequenting courts, and associating with nobles and courtiers, is not small. t: Dulcis inexpcrtis cultura potentis aniici Expertus metuit." I took leave, however, of Madame Talley- rand (now Princess of Benevento) with sincere regret ; that amiable woman had shewn feeling and unaffected good-nature; and in supporting her station, I had always found her at the same time atfable with- out insipidity, — gracious without affected condescension, and extreme! v attentive and kind in her manners to strangers. ( 314 ) CHAPTER XV >THHE reflections and observations arising out of a residence of about two months in France and Paris, were often effaced by the variety and pressure of occu- pations, amusements, and pleasures. The society of Mr. Fox abstracted me from a great deal of the common life, and scenes so full of information for a stranger ; besides, the time was too short to allow that maturer consideration which follows the first tumult of ideas, and succeeds the amusements and pleasures of a new and extraordinary scene. France appeared, beyond measure, benefited by the revolution. The very manners and dress of the inhabitants, recovered from re- publican rudeness and inelegance, had assumed a better style, not so effeminate and °J5 v> foppish as in the old regime, and not so care- Jess as in the republican period. Agriculture had improved immensely; not a spot was neglected, and the peasants no longer groaned under partial burthens. The land divided into patrimonial, national, and church land, was of different purchase in value : the first a good deal the highest, the second, or emigres land, was, at a great dis- tance from Paris, very low, and the third was nearly as high as the first. The unpleasant idea of the return of an emigre, the old and lawful owner, though not any doubt of the security of the government, made the second sell at a low price. The almost total change of property has rendered the new government very secure ; the flight of the emigres, and the external threatening of foreign powers, irrevocablv confirmed the revolution. It is amusing (let this idea be extended) to look into Europe, and observe also the wonderful change of property between, and in different states, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Tyrol, Dalmatia, Venice, &c. &c, and if we then calmly consider the language of Pittite 346 ministers, speaking of a deliverance, on restoring of Europe, we must think that they have strangely forgot the nature and qualities of property, to expect to force things back, or that they speak but to de- ceive. The internal trade of France appeared flourishing, and they hailed with great satis- faction, rich foreigners coming amongst them. The general police is extremely good ; Paris, at all times of the evening and night, was admirably regulated ; no noise, rioting, or intoxication, was known, — at eleven, the streets seem quite quiet, and no person, even of the lower orders, to be seen. It was impossible not to feel the general dou- ceur and politeness of manners, pervading every class, and every where smoothing the path of life. The Irish and Scotch mixed much more easily with the French than the English, and spoke their language better too ; the former were much respected on the continent, as belonging to an ancient, and once- renowned nation. The English- man, seldom leaving his country till his 347 habits are all formed, afterwards finds repug- nance to unbend himself, to accommodate his manners to those of foreigners, or to mould the organs of speech to their lan- guage; the elegance and taste of foreign- ers, do not compensate to him for his want of comfort at home. He makes philosophic remarks, but does not act philosophically — he reasons strongly, but his practice is unwise — in fine, he travels with less advantage than others, and often returns with no other acquisition than his prejudices confirmed. I speak in general; the English nobility, and gentlemen of fortune and good education, are the most polished and dignified class of men in Europe. 1 had often heard the French accused of insincerity, but I never met with anything to countenance the idea. I found them highly capable of friendship, full of feeling, and verv discriminating. The French are much addicted to amusement, it is true, and it may, perhaps, be said to weaken their character in some degree; but, if the short- ness of lite, the superfluous and additional 318 cares heaped on it by narrow and brooding minds, be rightly considered, perhaps, there will be found much wisdom and philosophy in gilding the hours of life, as much as we can, consistently with a care of our families, and regard to the improvement of our minds. In society, the French are eminently pleas- ing, and the women, in point of elegance, vivacity, and penetration, seem calculated to render the life of man a happy dream, in which he discovers flowers at his feet, and a fragrant air continually around him. It is vain to attempt to do justice to the graces of their conversation. They very much resemble my own country-women, the Irish ladies, in feeling, and a nice attention to the wants of their guests. The government was too recently esta- blished when I was in France to decide what effect it had upon the people. There is no doubt that the shaking off the old despot- ism has invigorated, beyond measure, the French nation. It will take a long time, (and the wiser the monarchs of the new re- gime, the longer it will be) before the cor- 319 ruption and profligacy too often inherent in old governments, will take a strong root, flourish, and overshadow the state. If it be said that it isadespotism,it may also be replied, that it is a dictatorship, established in a time of critical emergency, and that the people's preservation required a strong and absolute government ! — The taxes were very high, but they were equally imposed in 1802 — there were no reversions or sinecures — or old pensions — the government was loaded by no debt, and the state, with the vigour of youth, and the benefit of experience, was starting forward, in a career whose consequences and results could not easily be calculated. There was evidently now not only a commence- ment of a new government, but of a new era of things : the radical change had been so great, that it might be said, as of a new order of things rising up, '* Jura rpagistratusque legunt, sanctumque senatum. Hie portus alii eftbdunt : hie alta theatris Fundeuiauta locant alii, hnmanesque coluranas Rupibus exeidunt, scenis decora alta futuris. Qualis apes sestate nova per florea regna Esercet sub sole labor, cum gentis adultos 350 Educunt foetus ; aut cum liquentia mella Stipant, et dulci distendunt nectare cellas ; Aut onera accipiunt venientium ; aut, agmine facto, Ignavum fucos pecus a praescpibus arcent." It was manifest that though the new government might not afford all that sanguine persons, and ardent lovers of libertv, might desire, that it presented a refuge from the tumult and blood of preceding times, of an acceptable nature. The laws were verv much simplified, and therefore improved, the old code having become dreadfully complex, and magnified. As to crimes, I observed that [ u- nishments of four, five, seven, ten, or fifteen years imprisonment, were decreed for great offences; but capital punishments themselves were rarely inflicted. The constitution of the government itself offered nothing pleasing to those habituated to admire the advantages of the British constitution ; but it possessed great energy, and in a period of great impor- tance to the French nation, threatened, as it had been, annihilation, and placed in the unnatural and feverish situation of working through its own salvation, at the expense of 351 ruined monarchies, and Europe's stupendous changes, the people had been induced to think, that the government, ever absolute of one man, was called for, since all others had been tried, and had failed. The severity and suspicions of the new government were na- tural to it, in common with all others so cir- cumstanced : jealousy and vindictiveness, though shocking at all times, yet in such a government were incidental to its nature, and were connected with its self-preservation. The temple where Louis had been confined, was now used for state prisoners : many were immured there — many transmitted from thence in a private manner, and often by night. That unfortunate king, (whose death was by no means so dignified as has been represented, as he struggled much, and died with great pussillanimit y,) had rendered this building interesting, and I always passed it with feelings of sorrow for the past, and of indignation for the present. The temple was the state prison, and was constantly full. I left Paris with no pleasing impression of this government, however, and k; u tting that an arbitrary regime had been the result of a 352 revolution, which had cost the people so much misery and so much blood ; though I was not prepared to say that, persecuted as France had been, and converted into a mili- tary nation, as she had been for her own preservation, any thing else could have been expected. I took leave of Mr. and Mrs. Fox with sincere regret. Their friendship had pro- cured me every gratification in France. Whatever was pleasing and delightful I owe to their kindness : they contributed in every way to make any young friend under their roof happy. There was no constraint so imposed. Our life at the Hotel de Riche- lieu, and at St. Anne's Hill, was as far as possible similar : early hours, a small, well- regulated family ; harmony, peace, and happiness. In Mr. Fox a constant disposi- tion to bring every one forward advan- tageously ; the same desire to listen and encourage; in short, the same steady and lively friendship at Paris as in England, — the same magnanimous indirFerence for power and its attractions, — the same love for poetry, 353 the arts, and all the efforts of genius, — the same warm remembrancer of all his friends, — the same love for England, and attachment for home, distinguished him in the great metropolis of the continent, as in the rural walks of St. Anne's Hill. I left Paris with a great deal of sorrow ; but the excellent and beloved inhabitants of the Hotel de Richelieu, occasioned the greatest share of it : in leaving them behind, I felt that I left every thing deserving to be valued, honoured, and loved. — I left them ! and the diligence, into which I stepped, soon re- moved me from the brilliant scenes of Paris, and the far more cherished society of in- valuable friendship. Three years passed over, before I rejoined Mr. Fox ; bound to him by ties of gratitude, affection, and esteem, I had conceived, as my dearest, though melancholy hope, that I might, at the last awful hour, be allowed to render him the services which such a man deserved so truly from any one honoured by his regard. That hope was fulfil led much sooner than I imagined. This great man a a Oj4r was too soon taken from this mortal scene, for the happiness of his friends, and tho welfare of his country. In my succeeding pages, I shall present an imperfect sketch of his latter days, anxious as I am to present his character, in that melancholy period, in the undisguised garb of truth and simplicity ; no more is necessary for throwing a lustre round it, if not as powerfully bright, yet more mildly radiant than that of his happiest days. END OF THE TOUR TO PA Rib. -rr— ra P A R T II. a a 2 PART II. CHAPTER I. [N the commencement of the year 1806, after the demise of Mr. Pitt, there existed a pretty strong sentiment in the nation, but a great deal more powerful one among certain parties, that a combination of rank, talent, and popularity, was imperiously required to support the state. The nation wanted a great man, unshackled and decisive at its head, to remedy, as far as might be possible, past errors, and to infuse a wholesome spirit of economy and temperate views into the political body. Party wanted a leader. Unfortunately circumstances had concurred to cause Lord Gkenville and Mr. Fox to act together. Thus there were two 358 leaders of one heterogeneous party, and the introduction of both into his Majesty's coun- cils, wasdeemed to be indispensably requisite. I am much inclined to think that Mr. Fox had determined to devote himself to history, previous to Mr. Pitt's death ; nor do I think that event would have altered his intentions, unless the voice of the people, reaching the throne, had concurred in seeing placed at the head of the ministry, a friend to the just equilibrium between regal authority and popular rights, a man of commanding genius and extensive knowledge. Assailed, how- ever, by persuasion, and willing to sacrifice his own opinions for the good of his coun- try, his judgment and feelings gave way, and he consented to take apart in the minis- try in conjunction with Lord Grenville. He could not be ignorant that such a mi- nistry was unstable. The basis was without foundation. Even the superstructure was Pit- tite, to which Mr. Fox lent the sanction and grace of his illustrious name. It is not im- probable that the court, unobstructed by 359 Lord Grenville and his friends, might have determined on placing Mr. Fox at the helm of affairs. Certain it is, that his admission to the sole management of the government, or his rejection, would have benefitted the cause of the people. The one would have permitted him to select honest and enlight- ened men for every department, and to have restored their just weight to the people. The other would have placed him on so high an elevation, in public opinion, that no ministry formed afterwards, could lon£ have with- stood the nation's indignation, or if they did, Mr. Fox's great name would have so strengthened the popular cause, that ulti- mately it must have triumphed ; a triumph that excellent character might have lived to witness, or have left as a bequest to poste- rity, of no common value. In the years 1S03 and 1804, he appeared daily growing fonder of §t. Anne's Hill, and to covet less the business of the House of Commons. My wonder is, that he could have endured it so long : had he been edu- cated less for the views of political warfare, 360 he would earlier have thought of abandon- ing it. The idea of a junction between Mr. Fox and Mr. Pitt, shortly before the latter's decease, proves to me that the Pitt system was tottering, and required aid ; it was a falling house, seeking for a new partner, and hoping to preserve credit by a new name. By such a junction, Mr. Fox would have lost, — the latter would have gained every thing ; perhaps, his hope, and object in coming into power, may fairly be con- sidered as PEACE. Early in February 1806 the new ministry, with Mr. Fox and Lord Grenville at their head, were called to his Majesty's councils, and as he wished to place me near himself, he required me to join him the day after he had received his Majesty's commands. I left Ireland with no sanguine hopes that a ministry thus constituted could render much service to these countries, and par- ticularly to Ireland. Lady Moira, whose name and character is deserving of equal admiration and respect, previous to my leav- ing Dublin, distinctly pointed out to me the 361 impossibility of the ministry existing long, unless a total change in all the minor depart- ments took place, and predicted exactly what happened, in case such regeneration was not carried into effect. All her hopes were founded on Mr. Fox, superior even to her son in genius, and inferior to no one in patriotism and the love of mankind ; she found in Mr. Fox, the kindred of the soul — dignified in manner and deportment, — of an unbounded comprehension, — warm in her affections, and constant in friendship, — view- ing the business of government in its gene- ral bearings, and in detail with a powerful penetrating eye, — a patriot in the very best sense of the word, because she preferred adhering to a distressed and degraded coun- try, before the lures of grandeur, and the gratification of the society of her connec- tions amongst the English nobility, — mis- tress of history, and wonderfully well versed in all the turns of the human heart, — com- passionate to the miserable, — possessing emi- nent powers in conversation, — always serene and commanding, — often witty in the most 362 delightful manner,— devoid of vanity, and if she had pride, it was a pride of the most ennobling nature, raising her to every excel- lence, and never betraying her into contempt or rudeness to others. This accomplished, and trulv noble woman, felt the danger and the importance of the crisis of the begin- ning of 1805, and saw with a prophet's foresight, and a patriot's grief, the irretriev- able errors which would spring from the de- struction of a ministry, of which Mr. Fox was at the head, and the long train of calamities hanging over these countries, in the event of a restoration of the Pittite system, and the triumph of its adherents. In particular, Lady Moira impressed on my mind the necessity of a radical change in Ireland; it was the country of her adoption to it, she had consecrated a long and most useful life — in it, — she had determined to breathe her last, — and now, wavering on the confines of mortality, she was endeavouring to con- vey to Mr. Fox, through me, the admonitions of avt incomparable friend, full of anxiety for his fame, of maternal yearnings for the 363 prosperity of Ireland, — she was the guar- dian spirit exerting itself before it winged its flight to a better world, for the benefit of the friends of liberty, of her chosen country, and of mankind. Disdaining; every religious distinction, — forgetting the narrow concerns of worldly beings, — full of solicitude for that happiness and prosperity, which she knew her declining life would not permit her to participate in, — she earned immor- tality by her last action, and in aiming at co-operation with Fox, she shewed at once the grandeur of her mind, the justness of her views, and the excellence of her heart. It is not my intention to attempt even an outline of Mr. Fox's ministry, but to confine myself chiefly to those things personal, and peculiar to himself. Lady Moira's testimony I have cited, to shew that admirable woman's intuitive view of things, how rightly she had conceived that the difficulties of the new ministry would spring from Ireland, and that the most enlightened persons in that country considered the ministry nnsta- 364 ble, unless a total change of system was introduced there.* The Irish nation, of which the great majority so much exceed the numbers of the settlers, that it may be justly styled and deemed a catholic one, and must yet take its place in Europe as one, when England is taught wisdom by adversity, at this period, was full of the most sanguine hopes, from the sole consideration of Mr. Fox, who was ever mueh beloved, by having consented to stand at the head of the ministry ; the repealof the union, the catholic emancipation, of course, and the establishment of a liberal and conciliating system in all things, danced before their warm imaginations. * I saw Lady Moira after Mr. Fox's death ; she re- ceived me with great kindness, but great emotion, — she took me by the hand, as I addressed her, " We have lost every thing," said she; " that great man was a guide for them all." The tears rolled in torrents down her venerable cheeks ; " he was their great support, and now there is nothing cheering in the prospect. For me, I have nearly run my course,— I shall remain but a little longer, but others will sutler; the loss of Fox is irre- parable." 365 Before I left Ireland, I dreaded their dis- appointment, I doubted Mr. Fox's compe- tence to gratify them,- — I knew his opinion of the union, — adverse to its principle, because Fox was the friend of liberty, — unfa- vourable to it, also, on account of the base- ness of the means of accomplishing it ; but, also, strong upon the difficulty of rescinding it ; I foresaw that, joined with Lord Gren- ville, his measures must be shackled, and his grand views for Ireland and the empire, be much impeded. Already, too, I saw with pain a mixed system appearing, — the attor- ney and solicitor generals of a Pittite minis- try in Ireland rcta'nwd, and Mr. Curran, a man whose splendid exertions at the Irish bar, in defence of the subject, deserved reward from a Foxite ministry, as yet unnoticed, and placed in a painful situation, before the eyes of the people; — the most inveterate unionists, and adherents of the Pittite system, not dismayed, and preparing to hold their ground by management and solicitation, through channels upon which they depended. As I took my leave of Lady Moira, I mingled my apprehensions and fears with tier's, — we both shuddered at the 366 idea of failure or discredit attaching to Mr. Fox's ministry, and concurred in thinking that the cause of liberty would receive an irreparable blow, if he was induced, or presuaded into compromising too much, under the specious idea of an union of parties, with old, and well known enemies to it. I have dwelt upon this Irish sub- ject the more, because every year succeed- ing has shewn me that such opinions were not less correct than they were important. On my leaving Ireland, some memorials from persons having suffered unjustly, as they alleged, were put into my hands, for Mr. Fox and Lord Moira, of which I shall speak presently. On arriving in London, I found Mr. Fox looking remarkably well, and without any appearance of the cruel disorder which so soon attacked him. He was now the great minister of state, but he was still the same amiable, domestic character, and the same sincere warm friend. He looked pecu- liarly animated when I first saw him ; his air was dignified and elevated, and there w r as more of majesty in his whole appearance 367 than I had ever beheld in any one ; his ex- pressive countenance was full of intellectual fire, and beamed with a softened grandeur, in a manner that filled me with a new sen- sation of grateful veneration for this illus- trious man. After a long and glorious strug- gle against an arbitrary ministry, he was now at the head of his majesty's councils. Calumny, so long and so actively employed, sickened at the view; his majesty's better and unperverted judgment, had selected the most enlightened man in his dominions, the friend of the people, and the supporter of a limited monarchy, and placed him in the situation so long abused by an arrogant man, whose impe- rious temper had trenched even upon the feel- ings of royalty itself: the haughtiness of an ambitious and arbitrary mind was supplied by a powerful, conciliating, and extensive genius ; there were a thousand Pitts : office and power easily make active, indefatigable, and lordly ministers !-*-But it is the hand of Providence which, according to its wise, but inscrutable designs, bestows on nations benevolent, sagacious, and Genuine states- men. 368 In Fox his majesty at length saw the great shield of the country, and by calling him into the cabinet, on the demise of Mr. Pitt, gave a proof that he had been held in thraldom by the overbearing minister, who, it may truly -be said, could bear no rival near the throne. There was much greatness of mind in the venerable monarch, who thus rose above the long system of delusion practised against him, and he proved himself thereby both the lover of his people, and also the ultimate approver of Mr. Fox's political career. With such an adviser, he now perceived America would have been unalienated, Great Britain unbur- thened, and France of just dimensions and moderate power. Afflicted as the father of his people now unhappily is, bowed down with years and infirmity, it is a consolation to his family, and satisfaction to those who sincerely venerate him, that, with his facul- ties unclouded, and his health unimpaired, he chose Charles James Fox as his minis- ter, instead of continuing the system of M; Pitt. 36W k to remedy them, was fast declining, an ; saw before that country a afea'ry prospect, and interminable war. Totally unruffled, by what the fretful pos- sessor of power might construe into neglect, he preserved the same unabated serenity, the same magnanimity, as he had ever done. If he inwardly mourned for his distracted country, no complaints escaped him, no impatient censure of any one was heard. Nor was his pure and noble mind less distinguished at this time, by a lofty disregard of all worldly concerns. His family, every thing dear to him, stood before him, but relying on the justice of his country, and the honour of his friends, he It ft it to them to protect those he loved, and guard ail he held dear from penury or distress He had now acted his part in the world, — it was no longer for him to remind any man of what was due to him Had 441 the ministers requested to have his last advice and commands, I am confident this great man would have summoned all his powers, and had death followed, given them the free dictates, of his exalted mind. Had he expired, pouring forth the anxious wishes of his patriotic mind, for the happi- ness of a beloved country, I am fully convinced his last look would have been a smile, his last word a prayer. I shortly beheld Mr. Fox in a light which fully justifies, what to some may appear the enthusiasm of affection, or the blindness of admiration. He grew daily worse, — his size became verv inconvenient, and it was determined by his physicians, that he ought again to undergo the operation of tapping. The day was appointed, — the physicians arrived, — preparations were made, — Mrs. Fox, Lord Holland, every one left the room ; when, through a feeling both strong and uncontrollable, I determined to remain. My anxiety and sorrow for Mr. Fox were so great, that I feared, in case of weakness, no one might watch him with sufficient 442 attention, in case of any tendency to fainting. What followed raised my opinion of this incomparable man, far beyond what it had yet been. When every thing was ready, Mr. Fox was led from his chamber to the outer room, and placed in a great chair. Great God ! what anguish thrilled through me, when he was undressed, and the awful preparation was making to pierce his side. But he cheerful, friendly, and benignant, was something quite above mor- tality, giving no trouble, — the same sweet- ness of temper, — the same courage which looked down on pain, — the same philosophy which made the best of every thing, and the same wish to give his friends or attendants as little trouble as possible, shone forth this day, bright and cheering as the evening glow which rests upon a placid lake. He, who from respect to suffering humanity, might have desired to retire, or close his eyes, was soon recalled from their momentary weak- ness, by looking on the sublime object before him. Mr. Fox, during the whole operation, conversed with the physicians, with all his usual force, accuracy, and pleasant natural 443 manners ; he mentioned to them his opinion, that in all difficult cases, his own, or any other, it would be advisable for each to write down his opinion, seal it up, and that it should not be examined till the deceased person had been opened, and then the erro- neous conclusions drawn would appear. The physicians, astonished, looked at each other, and were at a loss how to answer. Dur- ing the whole of the operation, even when faintness succeeded to pain, he was cheerful, and seemed desirous, by his own disregard of his situation, to lessen the concern of others. There was much resemblance in his manner, to that of a philosophic and accomplished Roman, described by Tacitus, in his last moments. " Audiebatque rcferentes, nihil de immor- talitate animee et Sapientium placiiis, scd levia car miii a, et facites versus ; servorum alios largitione, qaos de verberibus aff.ecit. Iniit et vias, somno indulsit, ut qnanquam coacta mors,jortuitce similis esset." A simi- lar self-possession distinguished Mr. Fox at this moment, which was of such danger, 444 that immediate death might have followed, and of that danger, he was well aware. When the operation was concluded, his great anxiety was to send intelligence to Mrs. Fox, that he had undergone it safely ; for as he had heroism enough to rise, in the most trying and agonising moments, above self, he was also ever solicitous to obviate injury to the feelings of others, by destroy- ing doubt, and communicating what was pleasant. As he felt much relieved, though dread- fully exhausted, the evening of this day proved a happy one ; we again ventured to indulge in pleasing ideas ; hope again allured us, fondly wishing that some great change might be wrought by nature, we breathed freely ; trusting to providence, we looked yet to recovery as probable. ( 445 ) CHAPTER VI. HPHE operation by no means answered the expectations so credulously and anxi- ously formed. Mr. Fox was relieved but for a short time ; and I began, at length, to dread that the event of his dissolution was not far distant. His uneasiness became very great, and it was necessary to raise him in the bed, and assist him to rise frequently. I thank God, no mercenary hand approached him, Mrs. Fox hung over him every day with vigilant and tender affection : when exhaust- ed I took her place ; and at night, as his dis- order grew greviously oppressive, a confi- dential servant and myself shared the watch- ing and labours between us. I took the first part, because I read to him, as well as gave him medicine or nourishment. 446 We continued our reading of Johnson's Lives of the poets. How often, at midnight, has he listened with avidity, made the remarks that occurred, then apologized to me for keeping me from my rest ; but still delighted with our reading, — would say, " well, you may go on a little more," as I assured him that I liked the reading aloud. At these times he would defend Johnson, when I blamed his severity and unwillingness to allow, — and incapacity to appreciate, poe- tical merit, — would refer me to his life of Savage, and plainly shewed much partiality for Johnson. Of Dryden, he was a warm, and almost enthusiastic admirer. He con- versed a great deal about that great English poet ; and, indeed, 1 never perceived, at any time, in him a stronger relish for, or admi- ration of the poets than at this afflicting period. I generally read to him till three or four in the morning, and then retired for a few hours: he shewed always great uneasi- ness at my sitting up, but evidently was soothed and gratified bv my being with him. At first he apologized for my prepa- ring the nourishment, which he required to 447 be warmed in the night ; but seeing how sincerely I was devoted to him, he ceased to make any remark. Once he asked me, at midnight, when preparing chicken panade for him, " Does this amuse you ? I hope it does." Fie was so far from exacting atten- dance, that he received every little good office, — every proper and necessary attention, as a favour and kindness done him. So unvitiated by commerce with mankind, so tender, so alive to all the charms of friendship, was this excellent man's heart ! His anxiety, also, lest Mrs. Fox's health should suffer, was uniformly great till the day he expired. Lord Holland and General Fitzpatrick, as he grew worse, came and resided at Chiswick House entirely. Miss Fox also remained there. Thus he had around him, every day, all he loved most ; and the over- whelming pressure of his disorder was as much as possible relieved by the converse and sight of cherished relatives and friends. Lord Holland shewed how T much he valued such an uncle ! He never left him ; — the 448 hopes of power, or common allurements of ambition, had no effect upon him. His affectionate attention to Mr. Fox, and his kindness to all who assisted that great man, were endearing in a high degree. It is true, the habits of nobility, which render men less able to assist themselves or others, precluded very active co-operation in the cares necessary for Mr. Fox's repose ; but he was always watchful to preclude disturbance, and always alive to every wish and look of his noble relative. Miss Fox, — calm and resigned, — grieving, — without uttering a word, — would sit at the foot of his bed, — and often reminded me of the fine heads of females, done by masterly hands, to express sorrow, dignity, and faith in God. There was no ostentation in the simple and grace- ful manners of Miss Fox : the affecting object of all our cares alone occupied her, and if her feelings did not appear so violent as those of others, they were more concen- trated and more intense. In her serenity there was much of Fox ; — and her conver- sation, and the candour of her soul, were grateful to him, till pain and uneasiness almost overwhelmed him. 449 As he grew worse, his situation be- came peculiarly distressing ; — the orifice of the puncture did not close, and the water accumulating obliged him frequently to rise, and allow it to discharge. Piis restlessness became very great, and his time was divided between his arm chair and the bed. Mrs. Fox retired early at night, to enable her 10 rise with the dawn, and renew her unceasing cares. The midnight reading was now affecting and awful to me. — J thought that Mr. Fox could not l^ng survive, and I trembled, lest he might suddenly expire, whi supported in my arms. My limbs, at times, tottered under the weight I sustained ; but the goodness of God, and the strength of my afFection for Mr. Fox, enabled me to pass through those trying hours, without sinking under fatigue or sorrow. What a melancholy task to watch by the bedside in the solemn hour of night of an incomparable dying triend ; yet it was soothing to uncle :- it all, — to read, till troubled natue snatched a little repose ; and to piepare the nourishment, 450 which was often required to sustain him. On One occasion, as the increase and renewed violence of the complaint had caused him to rise at night, whilst I assisted him, and with a napkin dried up the water from the orifice, which incommoded him, — he said, in a low voice, and quite to himself, " this is true friendship." There was now a plaintiveness in his manner very interesting, but no way dero- gating from his fortitude and calmness. He did not affect the stoic. He bore his pains as a christian and a man. Till the last day, however, I do not think he conceived him- self in danger. A fevv days before the termination of his mortal career, he said to me at night, " Holland thinks me worse than I am ;" and, in fact, the appearances were singularly delusive, not a week before he expired. In the day he arose, and walked a little ; and his luoks were not ghastly or alarming by any means. Often did he latterly walk to his window to gaze on the berries of the mountain ash, which hung clustering on a young tree at Chiswick 451 House : every morning he returned to look at it; — he would praise it, as the morning breeze rustling shook the berries and leaves ; but then the golden sun, which played upon them, and the fresh air which comes with the dawn, were to me almost heart- sickening, though once so delightful: he, whom 1 so much cherished and esteemed, whose kindness had been ever unremitting and unostentatious, — he whose society was to me happiness and peace, was not long to enjoy this sun and morning air. — His last look on that mountain ash was his farewell to nature! I continued to read aloud every night, and as he occasionally dropt asleep, I was then left to the awful meditations incident to such a situation ; no person was awake besides myself; the lofty rooms and hall of Chiswick House were silent, and the world reposed. In one of those melancholy pauses, I walked about for a few minutes, and found myself involuntarily and accidently in the late Duchess of Devonshire's dressing room, — every thing was a3 that amiable and g g 2 452 accomplished lady had left it. The musick book still open ; — the books not restored to their places, — a chair, as if she had but just left it, and every mark of a recent inhabi- tant in this elegant apartment. — The Duchess had died in May, and Mr. Fox had very severely felt her loss. Half opened notes lay scattered about. The night was solemn and still ; and at that moment, had some floating sound of music vibrated through the air, I cannot tell to what my feelings would have been wrought. Never had 1 experienced so strong a sensation of the transitory nature of life, of the vanity of a fleeting world. I stood scarce breathing, — heard nothing, — listened, — death and disease in all their terrific forms marshalled themselves before me ; — the tomb vawned, — and, oh, God ! what a pang was it, that it was opening for him whom I had hoped to see enjoying many happy years, and declin- ing in the fulness of his glory into the vale of years. — Scarcely knowing how I left the dressing room I returned ; — all was still. — Mr. Fox slept quietly. I was deluded into a tranquil joy, to find him still alive, and 453 breathing without difficulty. His counte- nance was always serene in sleep ; no troubled dreams ever agitated or distorted it, — it was the transcript of his guiltless mind. During the whole time of my attendance at night on Mr. Fox, not one impatient word escaped him, not one expression of regret or remorse wandered from his lips. Mr. Addison's words, ..." See ! how a chris- tian can die," might have been throughout more happily applied at Chiswick House, by adding a little to them, — " Behold how a patriot and christian can meet his last hour!" Could the youth of Britain but have seen the great friend to liberty, and the advocate of peace, in his latter days, what a lesson would not his calm and dignified deportment have afforded. It is not the minister who carries on the public affairs for a series of years, with little benefit, or perhaps serious detriment to his country, who can, in the close of his days, look around, and say, " I have injured no one; — I have laboured for the happiness of millions; — I have 454 never allowed anger, or pride, or the spirit of domination, make me forget the interests and feelings of others ; I have not professed myself a christian, and em-* broiled the human race ;"— but it is the dying patriot, who can loudly proclaim, that he has done all the good to his country and mankind that was possible ; and, in the restrospect of a life dedicated to the defence of the rights of mankind, he finds no groans come across his ears from incarcerated victims,— no shades of oppressed and mur- dered citizens rise in his dim and feeble view, to chase repose from his couch, and tell him that though despotic, he was not happy, — though descending into the tomb, he could not escape the cries of the injured, or the stings of conscience. NUMBER 13,258,] TSLAND of SICILY— Now Open-, in Hexky A Aston Barker's Pano ram a, Leicester-square, a View of Me beautiful City of MESSINA, and surrounding romantic Country, exhibiting Scylla and Charybdis, with the CoAst of Calabria, and French L icampment. The present state 6f Si- cily makes this View particularly interesting, as it represents that part of the Island where the British Troops h*ve the. Krongest positions.— The-SiEca of Flushing confiBuyfes open ; Admittance to each Painting, One Shilling. Ooen from ten tili dusk. PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY. St. George'CfTkIdI His Royal Highness the Duke of YORK, Pniident QUNDAY NEXT :ti th'm Chapel begin"! every Sunday morning, at a quarter past nJeven, and in the evening at seven. * JOHN GUI N DL A Y, Sec. I "D OYAL HUMANE SOCIETY for the RE- i 4-V COVFRY of PKRSONS APPARENTLY DEAD— A General Courr of the Civ.- nors of this Institution will be held TO-MORROW EVENING, the 6th instant, at the London Coffee-house, LuJg.ite.hi!!. The Chair will be taken at seven o'clock precisely. J. BEAUMONT, It--, and Sec. . No. 9, ViHiers-strael, Strand. This Society, (which wts founded to preserve from de*ith per- sons apparently dead from Crowning, Lightning, Cold, Ac. and >'>-, s'mccfhe year 1774 ^ 1 ''-" i ^ : > l ° liv ^, 'rewarded upwards »f ift.ooo claimants, and established similar soeicth ■ in many coun- ties in England, and in all parrs of the world) is supported by voluntary eontrifcutJonB.r— One g d i ia per annum constitutes an Annual Governor, and Ten Guineas' a Life Governor. PROPOSED Jill I Ix M^YATEir TnZcSEA- A TON CANATi — Notice is hereby given that a General Meeting of the Subscribers Wi'll he held at the London Coffe& bouse, Ludgate-hfll, on Tuesday*, the nth day of November next, at twelve o'clock at noon precisely, to receive the Report of the Committee, anl to adopt such resolutions thereon as may then be deemed expedient. I3y order of the Committee, J. R. CLARKE. LOCK HOSPITAL, hear HyJe Park-corner.— The Lock Hospital being much in need of assistance to carry on it ; benevolent designs, the Governors beg leave to sub- mit to the Public the following account of the Institution, in hopes that it will the observation of many charitable per- sons who may lie disposed to contribute toward-, its support. The Lock Hospital was instituted in th« year 1746, for the reception ot persons of both sexes afRictsd with the Y-: Disease, since which period THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND Patients hav\. b sen dismissed' perfectly cured, the greater par of who. n would otherwise have lingered out their lives by diffusing tb *r miser;- in the most rapid progression. Les: wall-disposed person' should suppose thu th.*, Institution does inany respect countenance vice, they ire requested to lonsidsr that pi a . of the pitiable objefts of this Charity ar* free from eri'.nin '.iky — women of irreproachable character become vic- tims to tin.: proHig icy of tfi«r ba ihan U ; nay. infants derive the malady from theirparcnts and nurses; when the vice.; of such relatives c mmonly $0 impoverish their fimili i as. to nreclude them from relief, except by charity. Iti if the In- stitution, f 'i it aopers >n is admitted a second time after ha been oner cured". Pat! mt? with this disease are not admitted into every II >spr- tai; uud.wh.'ie they aro received, Che deposit r .mired often operates to th • e: - • ■ '• i'ue Chaplain ol the Lock Hospital artt. '■' the wards, and many of them 1 Jid brought to n proper MR. FOX. We are authorized to publish the following Corres pondiincti. : — COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR HENRY HALFOR , BART. TO LOUD HOLLAND, DATED CUlZON-STItEET, IvOVEAl BER 3D, l8 XI. " MY LORD, " I have read Mr. Trotter's Account of the last daysi^ of the late Mr. Secretary Fox's Life with much sur- prize- and regret. His observations on the medki treatment of the case are quite unfounded, and must* occasion pain to Mr. Fox's friends, while they do greats injustice to the Physicians who attended him. I assure*^. you, my Lord, Mr. Fox never tcok a particle of the digi- talis during his illness ; because neither Dr. Piterdrn Dr. Moscley, nor myself, .thought it would be of u*e t him ; nor w r as any other potent medicine u? Jo jb;>ru efficacy -administered to him, by which his dissolution' could possibly be accelerated. In fa&E during the I fortnight of Mr. Fox's life, he took cordial medicines only, such as were likely to sustain the constitution as long as possible. I have written to Dr. Mose'ey, andw to Mr. Tegart, and inclose, for your Lordship's perusal, both my letters and their answers, by \vhi:h the state^ ment 1 have had the honour to make your Lordshifl above is confirmed. " I am, with much respecl, my Lord, " Your Lordship's faithful Servant, (Sighed) " IIEMIY iIA',1 CRD. " Curzoii-.treet, Nov. 3, 1811." To the Lord Holland. COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR HENRY llALFORD, BART. TO DR. MOSELEV, DATED CURZOX^TRELT, OCTOBER 29TII, l8l I. «'' MY DEAR DOCTOR, " There are some observations in Mr, Trotter's book, in which he gives an account of the last period of Mr. Fox's illness, calculated to give the late Se- cretary's friends great pain, and to do injury to the characters of the physicians who attended him. Mr. Trotter states, at least he more than insinuates, that Mr. Fox's death was hastened by the use of dip-italis. Now I believe that the digitalis was never adminisK ed at all in Mr. Fox's case— for I well remember, when the propriety of administering it in Mr. box's case was discussed in conversation, remarking that I 'had n< seen it do good in ascites, though I had frequently thought it of use in water of the chest ; and I think you stated also, as well as Dr. Pitcairn, that this was the result of your experience — In consequence, I be* lieve, it was never given. ( 455 ) CHAPTER VII. J^js Mr. Fox's situation, though not threat- ening immediate danger, in the opinion of his physicians, was, however, hopeless, as to ultimate cure, and very distressing to him- self, a consultation was held, as to thepropriety of recurring to some strong remedy, which might afford the best chance of effecting a favourable alteration in the patient. It was finally decided, and I understood with Lord Holland's concurrence, that an attempt should be made to counteract the violence of the disorder, through the medium of the most powerful medicine, which science and experience sanctioned as most efficacious in desperate cases. It was decided that this (which I concluded was digitalis, or Fox- glove, prepared in a liquid state) should be administered to Mr. Fox. I heard of this determination with a dissatisfaction and 455 sorrow I could not well account for. Those who know what it is to linger round a de- parting friend, whether it be that he under- takes a long journey, or goes on some peril- ous service, or secludes himself in distant retirement from the world, may conceive the painful and confused state of my mind at this time. Mv ideas were not well deve- loped, even to myself. I wished life to be preserved as long as possible — that grati- tude and friendship should have watched for years, (if a few could yet be gained,) round the couch of the great man whose domestic virtues had all shone brighter through the clouds of pain and anguish, and the most harassing suffering. I thought that alle- viation of the disease, rather than an imprac- ticable attempt to cope with the tremen- duous enemy which had seized upon him, -was more desirable. Mrs. Fox and myself were so much exhausted, and worn out with constant cares, that we scarcely knew the nature of the decision. We heard a change of medicine was resolved on, but did not then know its powerful and extra- ordinary effects. It is true only a few fesass^j5«iS?SSS (ever fieavi ■»t ' ii .V BW «ef Messrs. Drummona ana -, H ausom, .Vfonand and Co. Ball I 5 th Mati'on, who resktes?in tne H-ospital KdoiatSo! fi t, p .^w, :U one tim,, confutes a Gov,n,o: ife, and Jive gmnsas, a^An^K^vernoi^ ^ ~~ CONTRACTS FOR FLQUR- „ UDYVL MILITARY ASYLUM, Chkj.sk.-> Oc ;. a*. QUCH persons a, are willing to supply Ag^Wgg £!K "me to tune be deeded ^^S^ riting without hgures. _____ . . . , ARMY CONTRACTS. COMMISSARY IN' CHIEFS OFFICE, COM1U Great George-street, 28th October, ityz. xtOTTCE i* *«•«*« ff»w?»/o all Persons desirous %flE -Vlft-This Majesty's Land Forcesln CaStbnrnents, Quar- SK? "Sift ^^Norfolk/ Northutruwland, No "ngha n Pembroke, Radnor Stafford, Sufcbik, Surrey, Warwick \V >stm,.reland, Wilts, Worcester, Yor«. (SS«; to his Majesty's Cavalry in Caat -^.tts and Q ten in th» ui leri n entioued Counties ^-Bedford, ...J., Dur.- £1 n Hereford, Huntingdon, Lincoln ^otthumby; had, *d*p. FORVGE viz.-OAT3, IlAvandSr-.AW,-.. his Majesty* C^r/in ferr.cks; ..nd! Oats in Cantonment,; ■. t Quarre* in th^uiJ krnerrtioWl Counties in South ihataui :-!<•,, . Dor-' Ks-v Kent, Lancaster, Middlesex, Nott«»gh*m S11 - Slk. Surrey', War.vick. And in the several Countu-s in Nortu B Thit'the Deliveries are to commence on and for the Mtti ' tf^cemler next; that Propyl, in * nun ? se yuij marked " Tender for Amy Supph 'S, y-'>>- » . \ a J 5d Office on or before Tuesday *e*9*d*y '■ Nflwabw fc nolwm be received after twelve o'clock -. tl and if sent by l'ost, the postage must be paiu. , . Kaeptforthe Aunties prising no; rh and S >m. ;; Of -which must be- included m one rend - ' ' n ; A , l ' several Counties in North Bntam; and oaA P have the Letter which is annexed to the i . nc. I | o r > Med up, by two Persons of. known pro, . b-om- bound with the party tendering, a Eta o*nt Sm the printed partkMlars for the duenerfd . C,:nr,a;and no Proposd wil I sauted Tender, and the Price* expressed in Eh and should it so happen that during the coritinu in IA Contra V d ai no W?s should be stashed or ni| I • instance by the Contractor, to be refunded to him .... tta. r. ■.im!:sm'w Chief. m iua " As far as my recolle&ion goes, we abandon-HS hopes of a cure when we found the fluid accumulate so rapidly after the first operation ; and after Mr had been-tapped a second time, we prescribed no remedies than cordials, to sustain his frame as lorn possible. Will you be so good as to tell me what remember on these points. I am, my dear Doct.j, " Sincerely your's, (Signed) " HFA'RY IIALFOItl COPY 6P A LETTER FROM SIR HPKRV IIA),KORD, B TO -ARTHUR TEGART, ESQ. DATED CURZOX-8X& oct. 29, 18 r i. " DEAR SIR, " I shall be obliged to yea if you will examine great care the several prescriptions which were written for the late Mr. Secretary Fox. in his last illnesa.—I find some erroneous observations in Mr. Trotter's book which do great injustice to his Physicians, and 1 give Mr. Fox's friends pain. He more than insin I that the digitalis was given in dozes by which Fox's death was hastened. I do not believe the di- gitaliswas ever prescribed ;t alh I remember stating it in consultation, when the propriety of administering that remedy was discussed, that I had never seen it dq good in the dropsy of the belly, though. I had oft found it give temporary relief in cases of water in chest ; and I am pretty sure that ^rs. Moseley and Pitcairn both stated this to be the result of their expe- rience also, and that in consequence it was never pre- scribed. " I think Mr. Fox took nothing hut cordials after the last operation of tapping. When we fo.nl that the fluid accumulated again rapidly after the second ! puncturing, then, I believe, we "all abandoned hope pf I doing good by further a&ive attempts to cure his dis- ease, and determined to protract life as long as we could by measures calculated to give him power and to sustain his system. Bu.t you have the means of knowing this better than any body by refei ring to the presci : tions which were sent to you from day to day, a will do me a kindness if you will shew them to me, a tell me particularly whether the digitalis was given ! any period of Mr. Fox's illness. " I am, dear Sir, with sincere esteem, your faithful servant, (Signed) » II. IIALFORD. " To Arthur Tegart.Esq. Pall-mali. 457 months might have been gained, perhaps six or eight ; perhaps less. But I always wished that he should be removed to St. Anne's Hill, and in this idea Mr. and Mrs. Fox both concurred. I do not think his own opinion was taken, but it was a case upon which he could not well form one. Lord Holland, too, suffered so much at this period, that he himself could not decide with the calmness requisite for so very dif- ficult and painful a question. In retiring to St. Anne's Hill a good deal might have been accomplished : the his- tory, whose scattered leaves lay uncorrected, and unregulated by their author, might have received a final revision, and his own direc- tions have been taken respecting it. In the intervals of temporary ease, his great and prophetic mind might have dictated a poli- tical testament; and as the negotiation was subsequently soon terminated, his view of future continental operations might have been obtained, and have proved of in- calculable value, and this, to the existing mi- nistry, would have been no inconsiderable ,ir ■??.{: - lh \ sof t;v: OwttnwJU may he had upoa application at th»dm^, between the hour; of ehven and five; ft the ?{J ; ^ l i r W Com ™ J " a: '>' <***"' Lindsay, BHin&Ub ; »< OSiifi of -Deputy Commimry Ofeheral Lutvou;, (L ; ,.f,\ s . ... at the OiSce of Assistant Ud^missary Gen ^ La^L' T '. A CURE for tl^ToOTH-.^CHEr&ZIIc' . 7L F LrX ' S SP ^V iF *„ C is s,n immediate safe, andwrtalti Lure for every species bt the Tooth- Ache, S,v,;ic.! Facas, an.-! all Rheumatic Complaints in the Face, without inJurne the Wims, or destroying t h 5 Nerve. The daily exWieVe of ts ehhcaey prompts the Proprietor to off- this valuable Medicine as beitg worthy their attention. Sold in botch* of is - * by E ' ' wardXlomplin, therrriot, 41, fehWopsgiUe Wi^i.h,^pV^icfithi Bull hm. ; a^byl31ak--,j6, Piccadilly; Tutt, ttoUlWdSnS aate; U.irke.afi?, Borough; Wade, 6.,, qSrobill; Bacon and •ea 150, Oxford-street; Ward, Holborn: and Withers 221 Strand. ' ' " JOSEPH SPARROWs CREDITOJ^S^ThT J Cii&topt ftfjOSCPi-I SPARROW, lato ofthaEastla, •!! Chambers, Leadenrmll-treet, wins merchant and broker vLiohiv* not already sv.nt in their Claim-?, are hercbv .^i^i to •tend to my OZice, on or before the ao\h day of NR>ver '-^am, the particulars thereof, and of any securities they m h >idf~r the ranu, in order that such claims may be examine tv.. .*,,-„„ «ff?,^_T?«nt,» intending- to divide the prooertv'.'n ts, ind- eed port? : Qn, '()--■ by aae nv- lea etti irs, m- te- the of at ay- 111- at ilt- ar- id- ■es, Jut ro- on ire, ian )de ii- ! S, es, le, in es SALES BY AUCTION. ■ Freehold Building Ground, Mile End, md Marsh Land, West Hani and B ,w.— By M-ssrs. DRlVSR, at the Au&ion Mart, on Thursday, 14th instant, in 27 Lots, .n* • __ Particularly- valuable FREEH 3LD ESTATE, bitu-te at Mate End, a lj Auin* Vhite florseJane, leading to Stepney, co inri;in,' a J,v .1H : j-il «a,e, Stables; and other numerous a. : exttmsiv-e ■ > .ad lings, to- -;her with about 24 acres of U ui U 1. Groani, wait'i, for n; ,-o 1 /-ni.-nce of parcnasers, will bVdiv! le I into 24 1. m ; al-;j V, acres of remarkably rich and valuable M.\K.;h Li-id, at >st eligibly situate ii the Parishes oi \:>.v and Sn*tf.>rd, abqrtt three n [es from Lo > don, whi-n will be divid-ed into three [Jots. Tie whole of -this v.ila able- »i > >cr£y is now in the becupajao ! of Mr. Capon, who.will give oossessfafl at (Jurist mas a \t. — Pri ited particul rs, With plans annexed, may b ■ ha ' on the Premises, at Mile Bmi; a'jSpt Messrs. Driver, Smcveyors '.'il Lmd Agents, Kent-road; or at their O.Iices in the Au&io 1 M irt. "• _ , Leas-hold i)wel!'m T ; I'l-.a^-' v.; I Shop, Brunswick Place, Kent Road.— 11/ Messrs. DIUV-SR, vu the Au5bion Mir* v en Thursday, 14th inst. at 12, unless previously disposed o: by- Private Gontni'ft, A VALUABLE LEASEHOLD DWELLING- rl 1IOG.S'': and $HQP, desirably situate |n H-anr.vick- .place, Kent-road, held for an Unexpired term of about 63 years 'and I, at a groauid rent of 3I. 14s. per nnia n, and now irt J ic occupation of Mr. Robert Burroughs, yearly ten mt, at the rip* annual re-nt o "33!. Printed Particulars may be had on the mises, and of Messrs. Driver, Surveyors and Land Kent-read ; or at their Offices in the Audli >i» Mart. LiTtlTjTfnes-street, Lisson-green^-By Mp7 ROBIN'S, at Ga»- rawiy's Goliee-house, 'Change-alley, Cornhill, on Thurs lay, I4fh instant, at 12, r pHE LEASE of a neat Brick-built TENE- JL MEN'!*, containing a kitchen and room over, a large }ard behind, enclosed with brick wall, situate No <;, Little arnes-str.eet, Lissjn green, Marv-le-bone.— Particulars on the premises,"; at Garraway's ; and of Mr. Hobins, Warwick-street. Freeiiold Dwelling IJousss, Long-alley and Ru 'duck's-buildings, near Skinner-street, Fiasburv, — By Mr. ROBIN'S, at Garra- way's, on Thursday, the iarh instant, at 12, in four Lots, A N improvable FREEHOLD ESTATE; com- -t\. prising a brick-built dwelling lj.vj-se, situate No. 4?, Long- alley, iiear .'Jlunner-street, I' ins' vary-square; consisting of a Agw 459 which friendship and value for his politi- cal character demanded, was in the country. The other ministers, who were his friends, and had been carried into power by his weight, seemed unequal to the perplexing difficulties of acting wth Lord Grenville, and consulting the last wishes and sentiments of Mr. Fox, as the rule for their conduct, in all future emergencies of home, or foreign politics. Doubtless, his councils might have led to their loss of office ; but, had it been so, they would have lost their situations with infinitely greater credit with the public, and satisfaction to themselves. The night preceding the taking of the fatal medicine, I sat up with him, and read as usual through the chief part of it : he was cheerful and easy, and I felt an extraordinary degree of pleasure from his conversation. We seemed in this intercourse at Chis- wick, to have lived years together, — the distance between us had vanished, — I had become the friend upon whom at night he could rest his head, and feel his pangs diminished. — I had been his reader, and as 460 the tound of my voice was agreeable to him, and often lulled him to rest, when the prose and poetry I read did not catch his atten- tion. His generous and feeling heart had beat with grateful throbs on finding himself attended by no mercenary hand, and his gra- titude to me was increased, as he knew that Mrs. Fox could repose securely upon me, and gain a little rest, so much required in the midst of her heart-breaking cares, whilst I watched round the bed of her afflicted husband. When fond hope would whisper of recovery, I used to think how pleasant our future society would be at St. Anne's Hill; that there, withdrawn from the harass- ment of politics, and the drudgery of office, a happier time might await him; and that we who had laboured round his pillow, would feel so proud and gratified by his restoration to tolerable health, that nothing higher of reward could be desired, — that friendship would say, we have preserved him, — what further can we wish ? The rapid glance of fancy painted to my mir^d the small circle at St Anne's, cemented by gra- titude, affection, and every tie of friendship, 461 Why do I write thus ? Hope had raised the cup but to dash it to the ground ! On this memorable night, I read Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and Mr. Fox listened with his usual relish, and made those natural and pleasant remarks he was wont to do ; and, as usual, he received from me the nourish- ment prepared, with his friendly, and some- times jocose manner. As the morning dawned, I looked out ; the hour had arrived for administering the medicine, — an unwil- lingness of an unaccountable nature held my hand, — I looked out at the reviving face of the country, — the peeping sun sent forth the first beams of day, brightening the grounds and gardens of Chiswick House with his coming glory, — the morning was lovely, but to me most melancholy. — Mr. Fox slept, — I took advantage of the incident for delay, — his sleep, how calm and undis- turbed ; — the golden light spread a glow upon his face, — a tranquil majesty sat on his brow, — the innocence of youth played upon his cheek, — no trace of worldly care was seen. I would not disturb such moments, — I could not force myself to 462 break his slumbers. When he awoke, I still lingered ; nor till Mrs. Fox arose, and three or four hours had passed beyond the appointed time, did I administer the medicine. For the first time since his illness had commenced, Mr. and Mrs. Fox appeared to think me neglectful. Alas ! I trembled with the apprehension that we should soon lose him for ever : I dreaded, with strange for-* bodings, the termination of all our cares, in the dissolution of the painful, yet pleasing) state of society, in which, if there was labour and anxiety, and sorrow, yet Mr. Fox was there, and sensible of and alive to the atten* tions of friendship. After receiving the medicine several times; he grew alarmingly worse ; he was, however* composed, and did not complain. Mrs. Fox was now truly an object of commiseration ; — - her anguish w T as so great, that I felt the miseries of the moment increased, by wit- nessing her sorrows. The distresses of Ge- neral Fitzpatrick, Lord Holland, and Miss Fox, were silent, deep, and affecting. For 463 myself, the world seemed blackening before me, — the dreary path was long and lonely, — what were ministers and courts, and palaces, if Fox ceased to live ? — the empty gratifications they could confer, — what, com- pared to the intercourse of friendship with such a man ? It was evident that nature was overwhelmed, and that the remaining struggle could not be long. Mr. Bouverie, a young clergyman, then in the house, was brought in. Prayers were read. Mr. Fox was quiet and resigned, but evidently disliked speaking. A solemn and awful silence prevailed. He now rapidly grew worse. The night which succeeded was one of horror. The worst every moment expected, but an invincible degree of fortitude and resignation mani- fested by Mr. Fox : no murmurs, no impa- tience, at his sufferings, but an anxiety for Mrs. Fox's health, was predominant over every thing. She had nobly endured the long and distressing fatigues of this melan- choly time: he was sensible of the exer- tions she had made ; he knew they were beyond her strength ; and., in pitying her lie 464 forgot all the agonies, all the misery, of his bodily state. Late at night he sent for Lord Holland, and asked, " if there was any hope." Lord Holland did not flatter him with any, and his answer was received with all that quiet magnanimity which distinguished Mr. Fox's character, and had pervaded his whole life, low aids morning, his breathing was visibly affected. All hope was at an end. Nothing remained but to wait the event. Nature did not struggle much. Mrs. Fox, Miss Fox, Surgeon Haw- kins, myself, and one domestic, were alone present. The scene which followed was worthy of the illustrious name of Fox. — As his breathing became painfully difficult, he no longer spoke, but his looks — his counte- nance, gradually assumed a sublime, yet tender, air. He seemed to regret leaving Mrs. Fox solitary and friendless, and as he fixed his eyes repeatedly upon her, threw into them such an expression of consolation as looked supernatural : there was, also, in it a tender gratitude, which breathed un- 465 utterable thanks, and to the last, the disin- terested and affectionate, the dyin£ husband, mourned tor another's sufferings, and strove to make his own appear light. — There was the pious resignation of the christian, who fearlessly abandons his fleeting spirit to a merciful Deity, visible throughout the day : the unbeliever who " came to scoff," must have remained to pray. It was now Mr. Fox gathered the fruits of his glorious life ; his departure was unruffled by remorse, he had sacrificed every thing that was personal to his country's good, and found his last moments blest by the reflection, that his last effort had been conformable to the divine religion he professed, to give peace to an afflicted world. The hovering angel, who waited to receive his spirit, saw that he had tarried long enough upon earth ; the e\ en- ing advanced, and sinking nature announced that his end approached. " / die happy " said he, fixing, again and again, his eyes upon Mrs. Fox. He endeavoured to speak further — but we could not understand his words — he re- h h 466 peated the attempt — I affected to under- stand him, in order to relieve his anxiety ; — " Trotter will tell you," turning to Mrs. Fox, were his last words ! His coun- tenance grew serene and elevated. His arms were a little raised to meet Mrs. Fox's em- brace. His eyes, full of a celestial lustre, continued bright and unclosed ; — and, as the setting sun withdrew, without distortion or struggle, but with the same unchanged looks of benignity, resignation, and love, which ani- mated his face throughout this mournful day, he expired, leaving our sorrow almost obliterated by admiration at his exemplary and happy end ! 467 MISCELLANEOUS FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS. jVJR. Fox expired between five and six in the afternoon of the 13th of September, 1806. The Tower guns were firing for the capture of Buenos Ayres, as he w T as breath- ing his last. The evening was serene, and of that interesting kind which distinguishes the beginning of Autumn. It seemed as if circumstances and nature had combined to render the moment peculiarly solemn and affecting : fresh victories were announcing, as this great Statesman was departing, and the mild beams of the declining sun illumi- nated his chamber with a softened glow. What a void, when I beheld the body in- animate and cold ! — The countenance re- mained serene, and full of a sublime and tender expression. It is remarkable, too, that h h 2 468 it continued so for nearly a week, till it became necessary to put the body into a shell. As it was suggested to me, two or three days after his death, that a cast might still be taken from the face, a messenger was dispatched to Mr. Nollekens and the attempt was made : it, however, failed, the features had changed, and fallen in a considerable degree, and the plan was thus defeated. I understood the result was unfavourable, - but could not prevail upon myself to look at the mask. During the week that the corpse remained at Chiswick, I every day frequently contemplated the countenance of the illustrious departed. The same serenity, magnanimity, and feel- ing, which distinguished him alive, were, if possible, more forcibly pourtrayed than ever upon his countenance : there was also an air of indescribable grandeur spread over it. I felt a strange sensation when alone in the apartment with the mortal remains of Charles James Fox. Perhaps there was more of the moral •169 sublime in this than falls commonly to the lot of man to witness and experience. The melancholy and solitary feelings I then en- dured, those who have lost beloved friends and relatives, will be well able to appreciate : besides, the departure of so towering a genius imparted various, solemn, and awful reflec- tions. I then faintly conceived the idea, — and I have since frequently wished, that the art of embalming had been employed to pre- serve so very grand a subject for the con- templation of the present race, and of the future generation. This great and patriotic minister mi^lit thus have inspired virtue in the young; patriot, or controlled the profli- gate betrayer of his country, by his looks : — - all who viewed his noble countenance, might have drawn lessons of benevolence, and disinterestedness from thence, and in departing, would have carried away an im- pression, favorable to humanity, justice, and liberty. A recent work on Education contains this 470 question : " Has not Parr been condemned for praising the virtues and talents of Fox, be^ cause in revealing the whole man, he stated that Fox disbelieved the miracles and mvs- teries of Religion ?" I have not seen, nor am I now able to procure any work of Dr. Parr s relating to Mr. Fox, but I am pre- pared to say that any assertion of his upon so important and delicate a question, does not at all coincide with my opinion on this head, if he attempted to state, in an unqua- lified manner, Mr. Fox's disbelief of mira- cles. That great man was too just a rea- soner, and too great an enemy to dogmatic assertion, to reject the powerful testimony by which miracles are supported. A casual expression is never to be taken for a fixed and serious opinion, without subsequent and considerable corroboration. I recollect be- ng present at a conversation in Stable Yard, when Mr. Robertson and, I think, Lord Grey were in the room, when the immorta- lity of the soul was touched upon. Mr. Fox, then very ill, spoke upon it with that seriousness, and earnestness for demonstra^ tion, which marked him on all weighty sub- 471 jects. I perceived no disposition to express any arrogant doubts, but, on the contrary, that humble and modest tone, which, upon so awful a topic, becomes all men. Resignation to Providence was a very marked feature in Mr. Fox's character. He never meddled with abstruse and mysterious points in religion; in death, he resigned him- self to his Creator, with unparalleled calmness and magnanimity. Such a man was very little likely to express disbelief on a sub- ject vitally connected with Christianity. I had the satisfaction and happiness of en- joying his most intimate society for a great part of the last eight years of his life, and I never heard an expression — I never ob- served the slightest inclination tending to such doubt or disbelief. On the contrary, it will be found that as all his political con- duct was consonant to the purest and most benevolent conception of Christianity, so, even in death, he maintained the same tenour and tone of mind. Mrs. Fox, I am satisfied, is quite competent 472 to corroborate every word I have written, and I much regret that indiscreet, and inju- dicious friendship should have disturbed his ashes, by bringing forward a vague opinion, which, if even once entertained, I can testify, was not latterly adhered to. I have, however, given strong grounds for drawl- ing deductions quite contradictory to those of Dr. Parr. Mr. Fox, in his whole manners, conduct, and last moments, gave me the clearest, and most pleasing idea of a sincere and true Christian, that I had ever imbibed. It is but little known that Mr. Fox's body was opened after his death. The result was, that the liver was found greatly diseased, and what is termed scirrhous : all other vital and noble parts, I was informed by Surgeon Hawkins, were sound and unimpaired, so as to have ensured a long and vigorous old age. It will be recollected that Mr. Fox himself suggested to the phy- sicians, the pLn of writing and sealing up medical opinions, and opening them after the disease and inspection of the subject upon 473 which they had been pronounced. This suggestion was not followed, in his own case, and I regret that it was not: it evinced as much wisdom and penetration as it did magnanimity and love for his fellow creatures : he seemed desirous that science might be improved by correcting uncer- tainty as much as possible, and seemed to offer himself as a subject to begin with, for the general good. Why is anatomy incontestably of the utmost service to the human race ? For exactly the same reason which appeared to have influenced Mr. Fox's mind, when tapped the second time at Chiswick House. His mind always sought for demonstration, and, even beyond the tomb, he seems to have pointed the way to improvements in medicine, and to physi- cians correcting their own errors. As his liver was found irretrievably diseased, 1 am incli led to think that the most violent medicine was improper ; because prolonga- tion of existence might have been attained, and perfect recovery could not. It has happened to me since, to administer a great deal of digitalis (under the direction of a 474 physician) to a young man attacked by Ague, and threatened by impending con- sumption. We thought him dying, but he recovered ; he was, however, young, and not materially affected in any vital part. In ordinary cases, it may be right for physicians to try the most powerful medi- cines, if a case seem hopeless, because it may be a beneficial experiment, and be little prejudicial to any one, — but in this instance of Mr. Fox, the prolongation of his inva- luable existence, w T as so incalculably impor- tant, that the welfare of the community, in a political view, should have superseded medical experiments and its chances. As the facts ascertained, by opening the body, proved, that a radical cure was quite hopeless, I request that I may not be con- sidered as unnecessarily stirring this topic. I write for mankind and posterity. Other great characters may be similarly circum- stanced with Mr. Fox ; a moral and me- dical view of circumstances may clash. Let physicians, therefore, remember the statesman, and prefer the greater to the 475 smaller object. As Mr Fox's age was not more than fifty-seven, and his constitution a very vigorous one, there is some reason to think he might have enjoyed a melio- rated, and not very distressing, state of health for a considerable time, if the palliative, rather than experimental course, had been pursued. The question certainly admits of doubt, but, in my view, I am sure the friend or the statesman would prefer the former. I cannot be presumed to know the quantity of digitalis administered, nor is it at all necessary to state it. That powerful medicine is given usually, I believe, in drops proportioned to the strength, - age, and state, of the patient. Mr. Fox's disorder had made its first appearance about three years before his death, or between two and three years, as I am well informed. That was the time to have applied powerful remedies with good hopes of ultimate success; but he himself was not then (or any of his family or friends) aware of his situation. When the disorder finally 476 forced him to notice it, by the pain and uneasy sensations attending its latter stages, it came like a deluge upon him. I appre- hend it had proceeded too far, and that his period of life was too advanced to admit of radical cure. It is surprizing that he had not himself consulted some physician of eminence, on the slightest symptom of so alarming a disorder, as that which carried him to the grave ; but he was nothing timorous, nothing selfish, and disregarded what would have alarmed others. For persons who were eye witnesses of the last melancholy ceremonies bestowed on the mortal remains of Mr. Fox, little is necessary to be recorded : — but for those who live in the distant parts of the empire, and those who may hereafter peruse with interest every thing relative to that great man, some information may be desi- rable. I have, therefore, thought it not right to omit particulars which, though peculiarly painful to myself to revive, must be matter of natural curiosity and enquiry, now and hereafter. I am quite convinced 477 that the last words, or I may say, efforts, of Mr. Fox, were directed to the object of depositing his remains at Chertsey. He would, from his character, and from his peculiar way of thinking on those subjects, I am certain, have desired, in his own instance, to have avoided all ostentation and pomp as to a funeral or burying place. The vicinity of Chertsey to his beloved St. Anne's Hill, and the fond wish that Mrs. Fox's remains might one day be laid beside his, would have been strong motives with him for expressing a wish to be interred at Chertsey. I know of no other idea that he would have been so likely to cherish in his departing moments. His earnestness, and expressive manner, have left a lasting impression upon me, but I was too agitated and oppressed with sorrow to reflect suffici- ently upon what was, most probably, his thoughts at such an awful moment. He addressed himself exclusively to Mrs. Fox, and his countenance evidently spoke something tender and domestic; something connected with his awful and 478 melancholy state, and with her future gratification. I dread even now distressing the feelings of his relict, but every thing which throws light on a character so noble as that of Mr. Fox, is too valuable and inte- resting to be withheld. There is no circum- stance which pourtrays the simplicity and amiable cast of it more than this ; — that, at the last hour, he should desire his remains to be withdrawn from the pomp, and crowds of the metropolis, — from the reveren- tial honours of a great nation, — and wish them to be conducted with silence and modesty, to those rural abodes he had so long and so warmly admired ; to be placed near St. Anne's Hill, and in imagination to watch over the cares and sorrows of her he had truly adored, — to wait with fond impatience till the remains of both were united in the grave. Here was Mr. Fox's genuine character eminently displayed — and at the very moment preceding his last sigh. If the beautiful scripture expression — " Lord let me die the death of the righ- teous, and let my last end \>e like his," was 479 ever more strongly exemplified in one instance than in another, it was in the last moments of Mr. Fox ; resignation, mag- nanimity, and faithful conjugal affection, marked them in so happily, and beautifully blended combination, that I can imagine no finer subject for the painter and the poet, than a just delineation of that affecting hour, when Mr. Fox took his farewell of this earthly scene ; the dying look which turned towards home, and all its past endear- ments, and which said, " lay me near our dear and long-cherished retreat," is beyond the power of ordinary words, or even of the magic sister arts to convey ! * * As it was decided by Mr. Fox's friends, and was the general wish that his funeral should be a public one, and as his own wishes were not, or could not be known respecting it, interment in Westminster Abbey was determined upon. The body was removed to the house recently occu- pied by him in Stable Yard, and since the residence of the Duke of York and the 480 Prince Regent, and it remained there three weeks, until all due preparations had been made, under the direction of Mr. She- ridan, for the funeral This gloomy and cheerless period was less distressing than the final parting with all that remained, of what .1 had cherished and revered in life; above all things, I had a melancholy gratifica- tion in having my bed in the adjoining room, and in eating my meals in it. T e sound of carriages rolling to cabinet dinners was often a subject for contemplation in this period, and I was often induced to remark how soon the great and good are forgotten by man, when power deserts them, or life *s extinct. Lord Holland, by calling fre- quently, manifested an affectionate disposi- tion towards his revered uncle, and due regard to his memory, as well as gratitude to those attached to him. The morning of the fr neral brought crowds, so alarming in point of numbers, that we feared the gardens and the house might be suddenly filled. Every precaution was taken to prevent this, and with complete success* 481 I received a melancholy satisfaction from beholding the assemblage, which filled every apartment of the house, the court-vard, and the garden. The nobles of the land, — distin- guished commoners, — men of genius and talent from all quarters, — great landed pro- prietors — all the genuine lovers of liberty, — all the friends to science, — and vast numbers of individuals, of the most respectable situa- tions, were gathered together, to pay the last tribute of veneration and affection to the illustrious deceased. Sorrow sat on every countenance, — silence and order reigned every where; and no regulation was wanting for men, who, in walking, almost dreaded to create noise. Friendship, genuine friendship, poured her unaffected tears over the mightv dead ; never was a scene more solemn and more affecting ! It was understood, that the heir apparent to the throne, faithful in his friend- ship to the latest hour, and filled withthedeep- est sorrow, would have attended the bier to the grave, would indispensable etiquette have allowed him. As the body was raised upon i i the lofty car, almost awful from its size and simplicity, the sorrowing multitude received it with affection and grief united; but the lan- guage of the heart was all that was spoken. The followers of Fox to the grave were the collected, and unbought men of rank, genius, and virtue, from all parts of the empire : England was foremost ; she estimated him truly, but too late for her own happiness ; and Scotland gave her tribute of respect : — and Ireland, unhappy Ireland, sent her drooping sons to mourn around, to follow the bier of the great English patriot, — the magnanimous champion of civil and religious liberty. Slowly the vast procession passed; the streets, the windows, the tops of the houses, the avenues, were crowded with sympathizing spectators. Three nations mourned with sincere sorrow, for the great minister and statesman who was borne along. Not a word was heard, — persons of rank and for- tune walked in the procession, — peers and commoners, and relatives of the deceased, alone went in carnages. All was decorous ; 483 and one sentiment governed, pervaded, and softened this immense multitude. Fox was lost, and mankind mourned. Never was the solemn march of a vast concourse of people more sublime and interesting. As the great bell of the Abbey tolled, the procession entered the yard ; it moved softly up the aisle ; — the grave appeared ! — Oh ! best and most valuable of men, what was the anguish of sincere and grieving friend- ship at that sight ! All suspense was now at an end ; the last link was to be broken ; the earth was to hide from the view the remains which every relative and friend still fondly hung over ! The service, solemn and impressive, gave a short delay ; all the amiable, all the admirable qualities of the departed, rushed upon every mind : youth had viewed him as a father and a friend, — adult and mature age, as a guide, protector, and instructor ; — liberty sighed over his grave, and religion bent over the ashes of him who had ever revered her truths, had never infringed her sacred rights, or trampled on her usages and laws. i i 2 484 The grave closed, the crumbling earth hid from anxious eyes the remains of Fox ! An exhausted, and languid concourse returned to their homes, pondering on the melan- choly void left in the world ; and feeling, that every one had lost, in this great man, a guardian and a friend. * * * ******* ***** * ? THE £Nl> PART III. ORIGINAL LETTERS. 487 LETTER I. My Dear Sir, I do assure you, your letter of the 28th ultimo, gave both Mrs. F. and myself the highest satisfaction, as it was a long time since we had heard from you, and had learned from Bob that you had been very ill. He is not now here, but the next time I see him, I will tell him how shabby it is of him not to write to you. I am sorry to hear your account of the people of the North, and I think they are bad politicians not to see that the support of the Anti-unionists would infallibly lead to the procuring of the substance, instead of the name, of a parliament. The Anti-union- ists must feel (and this was my opinion before their defeat on Lord Corry's motion) that they are far too weak to struggle against our minister, without the assistance of the people; and, consequently, they mustacc&j? 488 to reform of parliament, catholic emancipa* tion, and, in one word, to a real and substan* tial representation of the people, which must produce a government as popular and democratic, as any government ought to be. As things are, I am afraid they will fail for want of support, and that even the union itself may be forced upon you ; and then the consequences, either way, will be dreadful indeed. We are very glad you think of being in England in April, when I hope you will come and hear our nigthingales. We have had a great deal of bad weather, but it is growing better, and the crocuses, snow* drops, &c. are giving us, every day, beau- tiful indications of approaching spring. Mrs. F. desires to be kindly remembered to you. I am, my dear Sir, Your's ever, C. J. FOX. St. Annes Hill, 2.1st Feb. 99. John B. Trotter Esq. Vianstotcn 3 near Downpatrick, Ireland, 189 LETTER II. Dear Sir, I received by Tuesday's coach your Pamphlet upon the Union, and your verses, for which Mrs. F. particularly desires me to thank you ; we both like them very much. I think you put your objections to the Union entirely upon the right grounds ; whether there is spirit in Ireland to act up to your principles, is another question. I do not know whether you ever heard that it is a common observation, that Irish orators are generally too figurative in their language for the English taste ; perhaps I think parts of your Pamphlet no exception to this observation ; but this is a fault (if it be a fault) easily mended. As to Italian, I am sure, from what you said, that you are quite far advanced enough, to make a master an unnecessary trouble and 490 I expence ; and therefore it is no excuse for your not coming, especially, as it is a study in which I can give you, and would certainly give you with pleasure, any assistance you could wish. In German, the case is, to be sure, quite different, as I do not know a word of it, nor have any German books ; of Italian, you know we have plenty. I am sure I need not tell you, that when* ever you do come, you will be welcome. Your's ever, C. J. FOX. St. Anne's Hill, Thursday* 491 LETTER III. I know of no better, nor, indeed, scarce of any other life of Cicero, than Middleton's. He is certainly very partial to him, but, upon the whole, I think Cicero was a good man. The salutary effect of the burning of his houses, which you mention, is, indeed, too evident ; I do not think quite so ill of his poem upon Caesar as you do ; because I presume he only flattered him upon the points where he really deserved praise ;• — and as to his flatteries of him after he was dictator, in his speeches for Ligarius and Marcellus, I not only excuse, but justify, and even commend them, as they were employed for the best of purposes, in favour of old friends, both to himself and to the republic. Nay, I even think that his man- ner of recommending to Caesar (in the pro Marcello) the restoration of the republic, is even bold and spirited. — After all, he cer- 492 tainly was a man liable to be warped from what was right either by fear or vanity ; but his faults seem so clearly to have been infirmities, rather than bad principles, or bad passions, that I cannot but like him, and, in a great measure, esteem him too. — The openness with which, in his private letters, he confesses himself to be ashamed of part of his conduct, has been taken great advan- tage of by detractors, as an aggravation, whereas I think it a great extenuation of his faults. — I ought to caution against trusting to the translations in Middleton ; they are all vile, and many of them unfaithful. If your sister does not understand Latin, you should translate them for her yourself. I do assure you, my dear Sir, it always gives Mrs. F. and me great pleasure to hear from you, and especially when it is to inform us that you are well and happy. Your's ever, C. J. F. 493 LETTER IV. I was much gratified, my dear Sir, with your letter, as your taste seems so exactly to agree with mine ; and am very glad, for your sake, that you have taken to Greek, as it will now be very easy to you, and if I may judge from myself, will be one of the great- est sources of amusement to vou. — Homer and Ariosto have always been my favourites ; there is something so delightful in their wonderful facility, and the apparent absence of all study, in their expression, which is almost peculiar to them. I think you must be very partial, however, to find but two faults in the twelve books of the Iliad. — The passage in the 9th book, about Aeur ti appears to me, as it does to you, both poor and forced; but I have no great objection to that about the wall in the 12th, though, to be sure, it is not very necessary. The tenth book has always been a particular favourite 491 with me, not so much on account of Dio- mede's and Ulysses's exploits, (though that part is excellent too) as on account of the beginning, which describes so forcibly the anxious state of the generals, with an enemy so near, and having bad rather the worst of the former day. I do not know any descrip- tion any where that sets the thing so clearly before one ; and then the brotherly feelings of Agamemnon towards Menelaus, and the modesty and amiableness of Menelaus's cha- racter (whom Homer, by the way, seems to be particularly fond of) are very affecting. Ariosto has certainly taken his night expedi- tion either from Homer's or from Virgil's Nisus and Euryalus. I scarcely know which I prefer of the three ; I rather think Virgil's ; but Ariosto has one merit beyond the others, from the important consequences which arise from it to the story. Tasso (for he, too, must have whatever is in the Iliad or JEneid) is a very poor imitation, as far as I recollect. I suppose, a soon as you have done the Iliad, you will read the Odyssey ; which, though certainly not so fine a poem, 495 is, to my taste, still pleasanter to read. Pray let me know what parts of it strike you most, and believe me you cannot oblige me more than by corresponding on such subjects. Of the other Greek poets, Hesiod, Pindar, Eschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Apollonius Rhodius, and Theocritus, are the most worth reading. Of the tragedians, I like Euripides the best ; but Sophocles is, I believe, more generally preferred, and is certainly more finished, and has fewer gross faults. Theo- critus, in his way, is perfect; — the two first Idylls, particularly, are excellent. I suppose the ode you like is Ah„ t i Kwfiugn, which is pretty enough, but not such as to give you any adequate idea of Theocritus. There is an elegy upon Adonis, by Bion, which is in parts very beautiful, and particularly some lines of it upon the common-place of Death, which have been imitated over and over again, but have never been equalled. In Hesiod, the account of Pandora, of the golden Age,&c. and some other parts, are very good ; but there is much that is tiresome. Perhaps the work, which is most generally considered as not his, I mean the &? o? i iro?j.» n^? LOUD HOLL A .YD TO SIR. HENRY IIALFOR0. " Holland House •, Nov. 3, 1811. " DEAR SIR, . " I hive just received your letter of this day, with the inolo.un-es from Dr. Moseley and Mr. Tegart, ftnd b?g you to accept my best thanks for the communi- cation. l! You and Dr. Moseley will do me the justice to recoil-^ that at the melancholy period to which your letter alludes, I Ht it due to the Physicians who had had the care of Mr. Fox during; his last illne6S, to ex~- ■press my sense of their unremitting attention, and my persuasion, as far as I was able to form a judgment, that their treatment of his case had been skilful and judicious. Nothing has since occurred in the slightest degree to alter the impression which I then received, in common with all Mr. Fox's immediate connections. As, however, the statement you have sent me may be satisfactv- y to those who had not the same means of information, I feel greatly obliged to you for the trou- ble you have now taken, and I beg you will communi. cate this letter, and repeat m^ >anks, to Dr. Moseley. " You will further oblige me by conveying my ac- knowledgments to Mr. Tegart, for the accuracy of his ■statement, and for his uniform zeal and assiduity dur- ing his attendance on Mr. Fox. " I am, deaf Sir, with sincere regard and esteem, " Your much obliged, (SijncJ) " VA3SALL HOLLAND." ■ ■■ . ■ '■ ■■-•li, 1 1 -rrt University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. L Series 9482 k-l-